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EKOM THE LIBRARY OF THE LATE
'GEORGE H. GUTTRIDGE
; BERKELEY
.IBRARY
NIVERSITY OF
CALIFORNIA
/
THE IRISH PARLIAMENT
1775
THE IRISH PARLIAMENT
1775
FROM AN OFFICIAL AND CONTEMPORARY
MANUSCRIPT
EDITED BY
WILLIAM HUNT, M.A, D.Lrrr.
PRESIDENT OF THE ROYAL HISTORICAL SOCIETY
LONGMANS, GREEN, AND CO,
39 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON
NEW YORK, BOMBAY, AND CALCUTTA
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1907
All rights reserved
Hg
CONTENTS
PAGE
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . vii
THE MANUSCRIPT CONCERNING THE PARLIAMENT —
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS i
PATRONS AND THEIR FOLLOWERS .... 54
'STATE OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS ON JULY 2, 1775 ' 56
THE HOUSE OF LORDS 61
' STATE OF HOUSE OF LORDS ' 76
NOTE ON SALARIES ATTACHED TO CERTAIN REVENUE
OFFICES 78
APPENDIX 79
LIST OF AUTHORITIES CITED IN FOOTNOTES . . 92
INTRODUCTION
THIS introduction will set forth only so much of the history
of the Irish Parliament as may enable readers without
special knowledge of it to understand the significance of
the document printed in the text. No attempt will be
made to exhibit the policy of the British Government
towards Ireland in the eighteenth century, except so far
as it concerned the Irish Parliament ; nor will ethical ques-
tions such as justice and honesty be discussed. Readers
will form their own opinions from the facts set before
them, and in doing so it will be well to remember that
the standard generally accepted with respect to political
purity was somewhat different in those days from what it
is now.1
The Irish House of Commons in the eighteenth century
was composed of 300 members. They were all Protestants,
for in 1691, when the subjugation of the country to
William III. was completed by the capitulation of Limerick,
the English Parliament passed a Bill excluding Roman
Catholics from seats in either House. For the next thirty-
six years Catholics were able to exercise the franchise ;
but in 1727, when the party which directed the policy of the
Castle, as the Irish Government was called, feared that
the Catholics would join their opponents, the Government
1 Grateful acknowledgment should be made of my indebtedness to Lecky's
History of England in the Eighteenth Century (vol. iv. ), of which chap. xvi. is
devoted to the history of Ireland from 1760-1778. I have, however, myself
consulted all the principal printed authorities on the subject in hand, and have
worked at the two volumes of Lord Harcourt's official correspondence while Lord
Lieutenant, transcribed for his chief secretary, Sir John Blaquiere, afterwards
Baron de Blaquiere, and now preserved in the Public Record Office as S.P.
Ireland, 1772-1776, vols. 443, 444.
viii INTRODUCTION
procured the assent of the Irish Parliament to a Bill enacting
that no ' Papist ' should be admitted to vote at the election
of a member to serve in Parliament. By this Act four-fifths
of the people were deprived of any representation.1
Nor was the House of Commons really representative even
of the Protestant minority. Of its 300 members only sixty-
six sat for counties, and 200 were returned for 100 small
boroughs, some with a mere handful of inhabitants, such as the
borough of Tulsk, co. Roscommon, then ' a miserable hamlet
consisting of a few mud cabins.' In 1783 it is said that of
the whole House only seventy-two members were returned
by free election of the people, that fifty-three peers nominated
124 members and influenced the election of ten others, and
that fifty-two commoners nominated ninety-one.2 A private
report drawn up in 1784 states that 116 seats were at the
disposal of twenty-five proprietors, that Lord Shannon sent
sixteen members to Parliament, the Ponsonby family four-
teen, Lord Hillsborough nine, and the Duke of Leinster
seven, while the Castle itself held twelve seats.3 A member
provided with a seat voted on all important questions in
accordance with his patron's wishes ; he formed one of the
great man's followers, and the influence of the borough
owners was increased by relationship among themselves,
and by their power of extorting from the Government
places and other favours for those who did them good
service. Our document gives a list of twenty-four borough
owners with the followers of each of them, 1 10 in all,4 in the
House of Commons in 1775, and to these must be added the
members sitting for the boroughs held by the Castle.
The House of Lords consisted of twenty-two spiritual
peers, four archbishops and eighteen bishops, and, in 1775,
of 142 temporal peers.5 The prelates were for the most part
chosen for the support which they had given, or were pre-
pared to give, to Government, or to satisfy the demands of
great borough owners on behalf of some clerical relative or
1 i Geo. II. c. 9, Irish ; Plowden, History of Ireland, ii. 91-92.
2 Gordon, History of Ireland, ii. 288.
3 Massey, History of England^ iii. 264-265.
4 Pages 54-55. 5 Royal Kalendar, 1775.
INTRODUCTION ix
follower. Many of them were to be found more often in
London or Bath than in their own dioceses. More than half
of them were Englishmen : during the eighteenth century all
the primates, the archbishops of Armagh, and ten of the
eighteen archbishops of Dublin and Cashel, were English.1
The number of temporal peers had been increased since the
middle of the century by creations conferred on the chief
supporters of the Government, who pressed their claims for
peerages and, when these were obtained, for promotion in the
peerage, with untiring assiduity. As borough owners or
otherwise individually influential the peers had enormous
political importance ; as members of a legislative assembly
they were comparatively unimportant.2 Few of them attended
Parliament ; many did not reside in Ireland. The Govern-
ment, as the dispenser of peerages and promotions, could in
almost any event reckon on a majority in the House of
Lords.
From 1494 to 1782 the Irish Parliament was not a free
and independent legislature. .In 1494 Sir Edward Poynings,
a deputy sent over by Henry VII., held a Parliament at
Drogheda in which several statutes were enacted for bringing
the country into closer dependence on the Crown. By one
of these Acts it was provided that no Parliament should be
held in Ireland until the King's lieutenant and his Council
had certified to the King the causes and considerations for
holding it, or, in other words, submitting to him all the Acts
intended to be passed by it.3 This preliminary restriction
proved so inconvenient that it was relaxed in Mary's reign,
and it was enacted that proposed laws might be transmitted
by the Council during the sitting of Parliament.4 In the
eighteenth century a measure which was passed by either
house of Parliament was laid before the Lord Lieutenant
and Privy Council of Ireland as ' Heads of a Bill/ which
differed only in the introductory words from a proposed
1 Perry, History of the Church of England, iii. 150.
2 Hardy, Memoirs of the Earl of Ckarlemont, i. 102, 213.
8 10 Hen. VII. c. 4, Irish ; Lord Mountmorres, History of the Irish Parlia-
ment, i. 48; Bagwell, Ireland under the Tudor s, i. 1 1 2.
4 3 and 4 P. and M. c. 4, Irish ; Lord Mountmorres, i. 63.
x INTRODUCTION
enactment. The Council could either suppress it or alter it
at its discretion. If approved by that body, it was trans-
mitted to England and was laid before a committee of the
Privy Council, assisted by the Attorney and Solicitor General,
which also had the power of altering it or suppressing it
altogether. If it was accepted in England, it was sent back
with the alterations, if any, made in it, to the House of
Parliament in which it originated, and thence passed to the
other House. Parliament might accept or reject a Bill thus
sent back to it, but had no power to alter the form in which
it was returned from England.
While its legislative power generally was thus limited, full
authority with respect to money Bills was also denied to it by
the Crown. Before a Parliament was held it was usual for
the Irish Council, in pursuance of Poynings' Law, to transmit
a short money Bill to England as a reason for holding it.
This led to violent disputes, and money Bills as returned from
England were constantly rejected, for it was contended that
such a method of procedure was contrary to the constitutional
maxim that all grants should originate with the Commons.
For the same reason it was maintained that any money Bill
transmitted to England should be returned unaltered save for
mere verbal changes. This was denied by the Privy Council.
While, however, the Commons refused to admit the dictation
of the Council with reference to grants, they, of their own
authority, would readily vote supplies of the same amount
and character as those asked of them. The legislative
power of the Irish Parliament was also weakened by the
Parliament of Great Britain, which on various occasions
passed Bills affecting Ireland, as in the case of the Schism
Act of 1714, and, in 1719 declared, in an Act 'for better
securing the dependency of Ireland upon the Crown of Great
Britain,' that it had * full power and authority to make laws
and statutes of sufficient force and validity to bind the
people and the kingdom of Ireland.' By the same Act the
Irish House of Lords was deprived of its appellate jurisdic-
tion.1 This abrogation of the judicial functions of the Upper
1 5 Geo. I. c. 5 ; Plowden, Historical Review^ i. 249.
INTRODUCTION xi
House seems to have been regarded by Irishmen as a cause
of its political unimportance,1
As the expenses of the Government could no longer be
defrayed out of the hereditary revenues of the Crown, Parlia-
ment, which in earlier days had been summoned irregularly
and sometimes at long intervals, was in the eighteenth
century summoned every other year. The Lord-Lieutenant's
office was biennial ; he went to Ireland before the opening of
Parliament, and until 1767 usually resided there only for six
months. During his absence the Government was adminis-
tered by three lords justices, one of them generally an
archbishop, and since 1726 usually the primate, the other
two laymen of high position, such as the Lord Chancellor or
the Speaker. Twice during the early years of the reign of
George III. a Lord-Lieutenant resigned office without having
landed in Ireland ; neither Lord Wey mouth nor the Earl of
Bristol — the one appointed in 1765, the other in 1766 — set
foot in the kingdom, though both accepted the 3,ooo/. granted
for a Lord-Lieutenant's equipage in addition to the i6,ooo/.,
the yearly salary of the office.
A Lord-Lieutenant who was in Ireland only for six
months in two years could not himself secure the success
of Government measures. This was done for him by three
or four great men who had * such influence in the Commons
that their coalition commanded a majority on any question/
and who bargained to carry on the King's business in
Parliament. These ' undertakers,' as they were called, were
allowed to manage the country and to dispense the patronage
of the Crown, which they used to keep their followers
faithful and in a state of dependence.2 This system presents
an exaggerated resemblance to that by which the Whig
magnates in England retained their hold upon the Govern-
ment before they were attacked by George III. It led to
jobbery, corruption, and extravagant expenditure. The
revenue was burdened with unmerited pensions and salaries
attached to sinecure or useless places, with the cost of
1 Hardy, Memoirs of Charlemont, i. 102; Baratariana, p. 301.
8 Plowden, History, ii. 152-153 ; Charlemont Manuscripts , i. 22-23, H4>
Hist. MSS. Comm. Report xii. App. x.
xii INTRODUCTION
unnecessary works, with bribes of various kinds to members
of Parliament.1 The authority of the undertakers over the
House of Commons was supported by the members' inde-
pendence of their constituents.
Before 1768 the life of an Irish Parliament, unless cut
short by dissolution, only expired with the demise of the
Crown ; one Parliament lasted all through the reign of
George I., the next during the thirty-three years of the
reign of George II. With no fear of an election before
them, members were apt to regard their seats as affording
opportunity for profit, as enabling them to obtain a share of
the offices and other favours which the undertakers distributed
in order to keep their party together, and to add to its
number. Yet, in spite of the evils of this system, it had some
compensating advantages. The ruling oligarchy was Irish ;
the ' Irish interest' was in the ascendant ; Ireland was in no
small degree preserved from becoming the prey of alien
officials and adventurers, and the undertakers conferred some
substantial benefits upon her by carrying out public works,
a fruitful source of jobbery, and by encouraging her trade,
which was cramped by restrictions. Political corruption in
Ireland was perhaps not greater than in England at the same
period, and we must remember that many a transaction
which seems to us utterly corrupt was then held to be a
natural and even laudable exercise of patronage. ' The evil,'
and the most patriotic Irishmen so regarded it, * was not
capital as it stood, and at worst it was domestic/ and as such
it would probably have decreased, for the number of wealthy
and educated men was growing larger, and a narrow
oligarchy would have found it increasingly difficult to re-
tain exclusive power by corrupt means.2 It ceased to be
domestic ; and the corruption of political life in Ireland
attained its full growth when stimulated by the Crown through
the agency of the Castle.3
While the legislative power of Parliament was restricted
by the King's Privy Council and the Privy Council of the
Viceroy, government by undertakers left the Crown without
1 Charlemont Manuscripts, i. 144. 2 Baratariana, pp. 131-132.
3 Lecky, History* iv. 355-3S6-
INTRODUCTION xiii
any further direct influence over the affairs of the country.
The distribution of its patronage for the most part only
increased the power of a small junto which overshadowed
the authority and not infrequently overrode the wishes of
the King's representatives. George III., who was determined
to destroy the dominance of the Whig oligarchy, and rule
as well as reign in England, desired to follow a like line of
policy in Ireland, and to bring government by undertakers to
an end by requiring the Lord-Lieutenant to reside in Ireland.
The breaking up of a political confederacy was thoroughly
in accordance with the sentiments of the Earl of Chatham,
and as soon as he took office in 1766, the Cabinet adopted a
resolution which was carried out by the appointment of
Bristol as Lord- Lieutenant with orders to reside in Ireland
as long as he held that office.1
The change, however, was not effected until 1767, when
the Marquis Townshend, the brother of Charles Townshend,
the Chancellor of the Exchequer, was appointed to the lieu-
tenancy. Townshend, a keen soldier and an efficient general,
had done good service in Canada, though he excited derision
by his vaingloriousness and indignation by arrogating to
himself more than his share in Wolfe's victory. He was able
and courageous, and was frank and jovial in manner, but his
genius was erratic ; he was utterly deficient in tact and judg-
ment, and was prone to dissipation. He was sent over to
break the power of the undertakers, and form a party under
the direct control of the Crown, and to obtain the consent of J
Parliament to an augmentation of the army. George rightly
judged that the military forces of the Crown were too small ;
and as it would have been difficult to obtain a vote for the
increase of the army maintained by Great Britain, he desired
to raise the number of men on the Irish establishment, the
British garrison quartered in and maintained by Ireland, from
12,000 to 15,325, and in order to obtain this augmentation
the Government was prepared to make certain concessions to
the patriotic party in Ireland.
In the Irish Parliament there was no such sharp division
into two camps, no such constant cleavage between the
1 Chatham Correspondence, iii. 51.
xiv INTRODUCTION
supporters of the Government and an organised opposition
as existed in England. This was partly due to the promi-
nence in its proceedings of domestic questions consequent on
its dependent position, and partly to the decisive influence
exercised by political connection and the personal interests
of the great borough owners. Yet from a few years before
Townshend's arrival a party, which was not indeed very
coherent, had been seeking to improve the political condition
of the kingdom. Its members chafed under the limitations
imposed on their Parliament, and the overwhelming power
exercised by the oligarchy in alliance with the Castle. Few
in number, they had little success in Parliament, where in
1767 they were vigorously led by the veteran patriot, Doctor
Charles Lucas, and Henry Flood, a skilful debater and a
master of parliamentary argument, which at that time seems
to have been more practised and more highly esteemed in
the Irish Parliament than oratorical display.1 Outside Par-
liament, however, they aroused a strong public feeling in
favour of the objects for which they contended.2 For the
present they chiefly aimed at limiting the duration of Parlia-
ment to seven years, as in England, where that limit had been
fixed by the Septennial Act of 1716 ; at obtaining the
appointment of judges during good behaviour instead of at
pleasure, and at the restriction of the pension list.
With pensions our document is largely concerned.
Pensions for life or a term of years could not be granted by
the Crown with any show of legality except out of its
hereditary revenues, consisting chiefly of rents, the excise,
tonnage and poundage, and hearth-money, a tax of two
shillings on each hearth granted in 1662 in lieu of the
profits from the Court of Wards,3 and the larger part of this
revenue was appropriated to specific purposes. Nevertheless
pensions were granted on the general establishment, and
that not merely for political services, but to persons who had
little or no connection with Ireland, for Ireland could be
1 Lecky, Leaders of Public Opinion in Ireland, p. 68 ; W. Flood, Memoirs
of H. Flood, p. 63 ; Baratariana, p. 29.
2 Charlemont Manuscripts, i. 25; Plowden, Historical Review, i. 391.
8 Carte, Life of Ormond, iv. 98-100.
INTRODUCTION xv
burdened with greater impunity than Great Britain. In 1757,
when George II. proposed to saddle Ireland with a pension
of 6,ooo/. a year to his daughter Mary, the Landgravine of
Hesse, and her children, the Duke of Bedford, the Lord-
Lieutenant, wrote that the pension list, which in 1727
amounted to 37,994/. ios., had risen to 55,2537. i$s.1
During the first three years of George III. additions had
been made amounting to I7,ooo/. a year, including i,ooo/. a
year for thirty-one years to * George Charles, Esquire/ a
name which hid the identity of Count de Viri, the Sardinian
ambassador, and one of Lord Butes's agents. The list then
amounted to about 72,ooo/., while the whole of the here-
ditary revenue which was unappropriated to specific purposes
did not exceed 7,ooo/.- The King authorised the Earl of
Northumberland to promise that no more pensions should be
granted for lives or years ' except on extraordinary occa-
sions.' Nevertheless the list had reached 86,74 1/, when
Townshend took office, and, in spite of his promise, George
in 1770 granted Jeremiah Dyson, an English politician and
one of the party called 'the King's friends/ i,ooo/. a year on
the Irish establishment for the lives of himself, his three
sons, and the survivor of them. This pension caused great
discontent, and was vehemently attacked in Parliament ; but
in 1775 a proposal not to provide for it was negatived by
94 to 7<D.3
Some other pensions may be noticed here as illustrating
the way in which the Crown used the revenues of Ireland
both before, and to an even greater extent during the period
when Parliament was managed by undertakers, to endow
persons who can scarcely be said to have had much, if any-
thing, to do with the country except live upon her.4 The
Dowager Viscountess Howe had i,25o/. a year, of which
1 Correspondence of the Duke of Bedford, ii. 273.
• Plowden, Historical Review, i. 356-361 ; H. Walpole, Memoirs of
George ///. i. 268.
3 Harcourt to North, Nov. 20, 1773 ; Correspondence of George III. with Lord
North, i. 140, 199; Baratariana, pp. 228, 240; Commons' Journals, xvii.
179, 182.
4 These pensions will be found in a list presented to Parliament in 1773,
Commons' Journals, xvi. 169-175.
xvi INTRODUCTION
75<D/. had been granted for life in 1714, because George I.
believed himself to be her father by his mistress, Mme.
Kielmansegge, Countess of Darlington, and the remaining
5OO/. at pleasure in 1753, after she had lost her husband, who
had an Irish peerage. When in 1746 Anne, daughter of Sir
Thomas Palmer of Kent, married Edward Finch, afterwards
Finch-Hatton, a younger son of the Earl of Winchilsea, and
an officer of the royal household, she had 8oo/. a year settled
on her and her husband from the Irish revenues, which was
increased to i,ooo/. five years later. Augustus Schutz, the
Master of the Robes to George II., had i,2oo/. granted him in
1749 for thirty-one years. This glorified valet, the son of
a German baron, was celebrated by Lord Hervey in the
lines —
There's another court booby, at once hot and dull,
Your pious pimp Schutz, a mean Hanover tool.
Horace Walpole tells a story which represents him as not
knowing where Florence was, but that probably is a scandal ;
for, as he was liked by the Queen, he could scarcely have
been quite such a fool as it was the fashion to make him out1
Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick had 2,ooo/. a year for life
from 1758, and in 1767 2,000!. more was added during plea-
sure : he had done good service as a general, and Ireland
had the burden of rewarding him. So, too, no one would
grudge Hawke the 2,ooo/. a year granted to him and his two
sons for their lives in 1760, though Ireland was scarcely more
gratified than England by his victory over Conflans. Nor
was Ireland specially interested in Mme. Walmoden, Countess
of Yarmouth, the mistress of George II., yet in 1760 the
Irish pension list was augmented by 4,ooo/. granted to her
and her representatives for thirty-one years. George III.
looked to Ireland for a provision for his relatives. Besides
the Landgravine of Hesse, the Princess Augusta had 5,ooo/.
for life, and his brothers, the Dukes of Cumberland and
Gloucester, 3,ooo/. each during pleasure. The Irish oligarchy
took care of themselves and their followers, and when Henry
1 Hervey, Memoirs of George //., ii. 75, 327, iii. 7 ; H. Walpole, Letters,
i. 297.
INTRODUCTION xvii
Boyle came into the good graces of the Castle in 1756, he
received 2,ooo/. for thirty-one years with the title of Earl of
Shannon. But as a rule their claims on the pension list were
small ; they distributed the public money chiefly through
jobbery and salaries annexed to places, many with no duties
or duties performed by subordinates, for the devolution of
functions was largely practised.
Townshend arrived in Ireland in October 1767. The
oligarchical leaders, alarmed by some indiscreet words of his
predecessor Bristol, who did not come over, regarded him
with suspicion, dreading an attack upon their power, and he
sought support among men of a lower class whose good will ^
he gained by his unceremonious manners and festive habits.1
Shannon, Hely Hutchinson, the Prime Serjeant, and John
Ponsonby, the Speaker, made him the usual offer : they would
carry the King's business, including the augmentation of the
army, through Parliament, if they might dispense patronage
among their followers and have certain good things for them-
selves, as in Hutchinson's case, among other items, a place or
pension of 5OO/. a year for the joint lives of himself and his
two young sons. Townshend was forbidden by the British
Government to make any such bargain, and the would-be
undertakers went into opposition.2 On behalf of the Govern-
ment, Townshend had promised the independence of the
judges, but the Bill was returned from England with an
alteration. The British Government would not allow any
independent function to the Irish Parliament ; and the royal
policy of establishing direct control over the affairs of Ireland
implied the maintenance of the Viceroy's Privy Council, as a
kind of fourth estate predominant over the two legislative
Houses.3 Accordingly the Bill, as returned, provided that a
representation from Parliament for the removal of a judge
should be certified by the Lord-Lieutenant and his Council.
Indignant at this alteration, for which Townshend was
unfairly blamed, the Commons unanimously rejected the
Bill.
1 Harcourt Papers, x. 234.
2 Lord Fitzmaurice, Life of Shelburne, ii. 101-4.
3 Baratariana, pp. 99, 338.
xviii INTRODUCTION
A measure which would terminate their existence such as
a Septennial Bill was not attractive to the Commons, and still
less to the undertakers, who saw that it threatened their
power. Yet the demand outside Parliament was so loud that
the Shannon and Ponsonby party joined the patriots in
adopting it, partly because they wished to oppose the Govern-
ment, which was averse from any change of a kind to
strengthen the position of Parliament, partly to gain credit
with the nation, and partly to satisfy their new allies.1 They
and their followers trusted that the heads of the Bill would
not be returned from England, and that they might thus be
able to lay the blame of its rejection on the Cabinet. Thrice
already had the Privy Council refused to return a Septennial
Bill, but it would play their game no longer, and in 1768, to
their astonishment and dismay,2 the Bill was returned only
altered in that eight instead of seven years was made the
limit, so as to prevent a general election being held in both
countries at the same time. The Octennial Bill was passed
by the Commons generally with ill- dissembled reluctance, by
the Lords with delight as it brought increased opportunities
for profit and patronage. It was hailed by the Protestant
part of the nation with public rejoicing, and Townshend's
popularity was for the moment unbounded. In Parliament,
however, he could only reckon on the support of a few highly
placed officials and the county members, ' the country gentle-
men.' It was therefore a bad time to propose the augmenta-
tion scheme, for the Octennial Act made the Parliament
moribund, and members would be unwilling to vote for an
increase in expenditure on the eve of seeking re-election.
Townshend asked the Government to consent to a delay, but
discontent was growing in the American Colonies, and Lord
Shelburne, then Secretary of State, insisted that the proposal
should be made at once. The augmentation was refused by
1 08 to 104, the Shannon and Ponsonby party voting with
the patriots : the narrowness of the majority proved that the
influence of the Crown was growing ; it was ' the foundation
of future victory.' 3
Harcourt Papers, x. 236. - Charlemont Manuscripts, i. 26 -7.
Life of Shelburne, ii. no- 1 6 ; Harcourt Papers, x. 234.
INTRODUCTION xix
The new Parliament did not meet until October 17, 1769,
and Townshend employed the interval of sixteen months in
creating what his opponents called a ' new English interest.'
Four of his chief supporters received peerages, other honours
were distributed, and * not a commission in the revenue worth
above 4O/. could be disposed of without his approbation.' l
Yet, ready as Irishmen were to sell their voices in Parliament,
there were questions, all matters touching the rights of their
Parliament, about which at that time bargaining was useless.
The Privy Council sent over a money Bill which had not
originated in Parliament, but had been transmitted by the
Irish Council, pursuant to the English interpretation of Poyn-
ings' Law, ' as a cause and consideration ' for holding the
Parliament. It was rejected by the Commons 'because it
did not take its rise in that House.' Townshend dissembled
his anger until he had obtained his supplies and the passing
of the Augmentation Bill, which was rendered less obnoxious
by a proviso, founded on an offer from the Crown, that not
less than 12,000 men should always be kept in Ireland, unless
the Irish Parliament decided otherwise. Then he quarrelled
violently with the Parliament on the question of the money
Bill, prorogued it on December 26, and did not suffer it to
meet again for fourteen months.
During this long recess he employed every means in
his power to secure a majority. Of his chief opponents,
Lords Shannon and Lanesborough were deprived of lucrative
offices, a crowd of smaller placemen and pensioners met the
same fate, and a large number of Privy Councillors were turned
out of the Council. His supporters were rewarded ; more
peerages were created ; Hely Hutchinson, the Prime Serjeant,
who had deserted the Opposition, received an additional
salary, and was allowed to exchange it for the sinecure office
of alnager with i,ooo/. a year2; and pensions and places
were lavishly bestowed. Violent diatribes were published
against the Lord -Lieutenant, his methods, and the men he
bought over. They are collected in a volume of anonymous
satirical pieces on his administration, entitled * Baratariana ' ;
they are mostly the work of Grattan, who did not enter
1 Plowden, Historical Review, i. 389. * Baratariana, pp. 33-34.
a 2
xx INTRODUCTION
Parliament until the end of 1775, Hercules (afterwards Sir
Hercules) Langrishe, and Henry Flood, and, with the excep-
tion of some verses, are for the most part rather dreary
reading, as is often the case with bygone political satire.
A * Never,' writes the indignant satirist, 'did the mysteries of
corruption make such a progress as at this period ' ; but
what weighed most with him was that pensions and places
were taken from the party of opposition and given or sold to
those ' who had the resolution to sacrifice their country.' 1
Townshend's work was successful. When Parliament
again met, on February 26, 1771, an address thanking the
King for continuing him in office was carried by 132 to 107.
Disheartened at finding his friends dropping off, Ponsonby
resigned the Speakership, which had a salary of 4,ooo/., and
gained popularity by alleging as his reason that he would
not carry up this address.2 Government influence procured
the election of Edmond Sexton Pery 3 as his successor. Pery
had hitherto acted with the Opposition, and he was described
by his former allies as * a patriot turned courtier,' which, as
his subsequent conduct showed, was unjust. Townshend
had no more serious trouble with Parliament ; he completed
the disintegration and rout of the Opposition by the same
means that he had already employed against it, and soon
had a settled majority of one-third of the House. He is said
to have recommended additional pensions of 25,ooo/., and to
have actually added 23,ooo/. to the list.4 It would, perhaps,
be impossible to ascertain the amount which his recom-
mendations added after as well as before his recall, but
during his lieutenancy a large number of civil pensions
determined, including the Hesse pension of 5,ooo/., in all to
the amount of 27,1677. 15^. ; additional pensions were,
however, granted of I9,686/. 5^., so that the saving to the
country was only 7,49 1/. ios., and the amount of pensions
on the civil establishment on November 30, 1772, was
79,2497. 17 s. 6d.5 Townshend also invented fresh opportunities
1 Baratariana, p. 185.
- Charlemont Manuscripts, i. 39-40 ; Harcourt Papers, x. 238.
3 Page 42. 4 H. Wai pole, Memoirs of George III., iv. 231-2.
5 Commons' Journals, xvi. 166-7.
INTRODUCTION xxi
for patronage by creating a new revenue board for the Ex-
cise, which he put under a separate administration from the
Customs. This may have been the means of increasing
the revenue ; it certainly increased the expense of collecting
it, and was an unpopular measure. Public hatred of him
waxed strong : he defied it, exasperated his opponents by
exercising his skill in caricature against them, and lived in
open profligacy and debauchery. His political success was
marred by the hatred and contempt that his conduct excited,
and he was recalled in 1/72.
He was succeeded by Lord Harcourt, who had been
ambassador to the Court of Versailles since 1768. Harcourt,
though not exempt from the prevailing habit of excessive
drinking, was a man of high character ; he had a fair amount
of ability and was courteous in manner, but he was shy and
retiring. In his political duties he relied much on his Chief
Secretary, Colonel John Blaquiere, who had been his secre-
tary of legation in France. Blaquiere was trustworthy and
adroit, well skilled in the management of men, convivial in his
tastes, and a good public speaker. Harcourt knew his value
and generously acknowledged it in his correspondence with
Lord North, then head of the Government, and Lord
Rochford, Blaquiere's personal friend, the Secretary of State
to whose department Irish affairs belonged ; indeed the
relations between the Lord-Lieutenant and his Chief Secre-
tary speak well for the characters of both.1 The general
disgust at Townshend's doings secured his successor a
special welcome. Harcourt arrived at Dublin on Novem-
ber 30, and received marked civility from the Duke of
Leinster, Lords Kildare and Shannon, and Flood.2 The
political sky was serene. Soon after his arrival Blaquiere
won the good opinion of Irishmen by his intrepid conduct
in a duel with Beauchamp Bagenall. The cause of their
1 Harcourt to North, November 9, 1773, and August 4, 1774; Rochford to
Harcourt, October 22, 1773, Lord Charlemont gives a less pleasant character of
Blaquiere (Manuscripts, i. 35), but allowance must be made for political feeling.
That Blaquiere was, if he was, ' a man of low birth and no property ' — his father
was a merchant of sorts — did not prevent the ex-colonel of dragoons from being
a gentleman and a good fellow.
2 Harcourt to Rochford, December 8, 1772.
xxii INTRODUCTION
quarrel was that Blaquiere, while charg6 d'affaires at Paris,
had refused to present Bagenall at the French Court because
he had not been presented in England.1
Harcourt's instructions from the Government were that
he should check applications for peerages and pensions, and
that he should seek to lighten the charges on the hereditary
revenue, and specially the bounty on the inland carriage of
corn, granted under Bedford in 1758, a year of scarcity, in
order to relieve the distress in Dublin and to encourage
agriculture. The bounty in 1773 amounted to 44,5087. 2 He
soon found that it was not easy to check requests. Shannon
promised his support, and made half a dozen requests on
behalf of his followers that St. Leger 3 might be created
Baron Doneraile ; that Denham Jephson 4 might have a pen-
sion of 6oo/. ; that Nicholas Lysaght,5 ' a good officer/ might
be appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Cork and promoted
brevet major ; that James Dennis,6 the King's Second Ser-
jeant, might be made Prime Serjeant, or Attorney- or
Solicitor - General whichever place fell vacant first ; that
Richard Townsend 7 might succeed to a Chief Commissioner's
place ; and that the Dean of Cork might have the Bishopric
of Cork when the present bishop died. Harcourt held out
hopes that his requests would be granted.8
Parliament did not meet again until October 12, 1773, so
Harcourt had time to make his plans. One threatened diffi-
culty, a revival of a scheme for a port at Lough Swilly, seems
to have been surmounted ; it had been pressed in Towns-
hend's time, and strongly opposed by the Provost of Trinity
College, Dublin, and the Corporation of London, as against
their interests, and by the Commissioners of Customs.9
Blaquiere settled with North that the revenue boards divided
by Townshend should be reunited, and this measure gave
great satisfaction to Parliament and the public generally ; it
1 Page 2; Charlemont Manuscripts, i. 314; Annual Register (1773),
xvi. 77.
2 Rochford to Harcourt, October 26, 1772 ; Harcourt Papers ', x. 250 ;
Commons' Journals, xvi. 466.
3 Page 46. 4 Page 29. 5 Page 33. 6 Page 17.
7 Page 51. 8 Harcourt to North, December 20, 1772.
9 Page 41 ; North to Harcourt, April II, 1773.
INTRODUCTION xxiii
involved, however, pensions of 3,6oo/. to those who lost their
offices.1 Another saving was made in respect of ' private
jobs,' a source of large expenditure during the undertakers'
rule ; the amount spent on them had been reduced by Towns-
hend from H9,ooo/. to 67,ooo/., and was now further reduced
to 34,ooo/.2 Under the new system jobbery was as far as
possible to be the prerogative of the Crown.
These economies, however, were insufficient for the needs
of the kingdom. * Our distresses,' Harcourt wrote, ' have
increased to such a degree that almost an entire stop is put
to all payments whatever, except for the subsistence of the
army, and at times it has been difficult to find money even
for this purpose. I have reason to think that the arrears
upon the establishment by next Christmas will not fall short
of 3OO,ooo/.' Nevertheless, the King was proposing the
grant of a pension of 3,ooo/. a year from Ireland to his sister,
Caroline Matilda, the divorced wife of Christian VII. of
Denmark. Harcourt feared that the demand would indis-
pose Parliament to take decided steps towards putting the
revenue on a satisfactory footing, and begged for delay.3 The
ex-Queen got her pension in 1774, but Ireland was soon
relieved from the burden of maintaining her, for she died the
next year. New taxation was imperative, and Blaquiere4
proposed a tax on the rents of absentee landlords, which are
said to have amounted to 732,ooo/. Absenteeism was one
of the chief curses of Ireland ; there was no land tax in that
country, and the absentee landlord spent in other lands the
income he derived from Ireland without contributing to the
support of the Government which protected his property.
The proposed tax was equitable, and was extremely popular
in Ireland.
In England, however, the owners of land in Ireland were
1 Pages 19, 52, 88, Harcourt to North, October 3 and November 9, 1773 ;
Commons' Journals, xvi. 344.
2 Harcourt to North, November 1773; Harcourt Papers, x. 119; Cor-
respondence of George III. with Lord North, i. 157.
3 Harcourt to North, April 24, 1773.
4 That the proposal was specially Blaquiere's, though Harcourt was respon-
sible for it and adopted it, appears from a letter of the King's, Correspondence
of George III. with Lord North, i. 156.
xxiv INTRODUCTION
strongly opposed to it, and five great Whig lords of the
Rockingham party who held vast estates in Ireland sent a
letter to Lord North remonstrating against it.1 The letter
was probably composed by Burke, their constant adviser,
who also wrote against the proposal.2 The London com-
panies which held land in Ireland joined in the outcry. The
King disliked the tax itself, and was specially adverse to the
proposal because it stood alone and did not form part of a
scheme which included the regulation of the corn bounty.3
Before these difficulties North and Rochford, who had at
first listened to Blaquiere's arguments with approval, gave
way, and North wrote that he could not uphold the proposal,
as he was not enabled to represent it as a necessary part of
a general scheme for relieving the distress of the Irish Govern-
ment.4 In order, therefore, not to embarrass the Ministers
and yet not to discredit themselves, Harcourt and Blaquiere
determined to ride for a fall ; the proposal should be com-
mitted to ' a certain wild inconsistent gentleman/ and should
not be pressed by the Chief Secretary. Their design was
favoured by a report set about by opponents of the measure
that it was a step towards a general land tax.
On the day for the motion, November 25, * the wild and
inconsistent gentleman ' played his part. He was probably
James Fortescue, member for county Louth,5 for a Mr. For-
tescue certainly made the first motion on the subject.
Writing a few hours later, however, Harcourt says that he did
not name any amount for the tax, and that he was persuaded
to withdraw his motion, whereas elsewhere his motion is said
to have been for a shilling in the pound, and to have been
defeated on a division.6 Harcourt may, however, have been
imperfectly informed at the time of writing, and Fortescue
may have wished to withdraw his motion and have not been
allowed to do so. An amendment was moved by Silver
1 Memoirs of Rocking ham, ii. 227, sqq., and elsewhere.
2 Letter to Sir C. Bingham, Works, v. 497, sqq.
3 Correspondence of George III. with Lord North, i. 155-156, 158-159.
4 North to Harcourt, October 29, 1773. 5 Page 21.
8 Harcourt to orth, Nov. 26, 1773 ; but see W. Flood, Memoirs of ff,
Flood, p. 90.
INTRODUCTION xxv
Oliver,1 member for county Limerick, who proposed a tax of
two shillings in the pound on the rents of landlords absent
from Ireland for six months of any year. The debate began
at three in the afternoon and lasted till near two in the
morning. Flood spoke with vehemence and ability in favour
of Oliver's motion, which was also supported by the Speaker,
Sir Lucius O'Brien,2 William Brownlowe,3 Serjeant Dennis,4
and others. Blaquiere was tepid, and remarked that he and
4 his best friends ' would probably vote differently. The motion
was lost by 102 to 122. An ineffectual attempt to induce
the House to reconsider its decision caused Harcourt some
anxiety, and did not pass without some severe remarks on
the change in the policy of the Castle.5
Money had to be sought from other sources. The deficit
on the year was 1 38,8407., there were floating debts of
4OO,ooo/., and the national debt, which was discharged in 1754,
and started again under the Duke of Bedford, amounted to
994,890^ Government proposed to raise 265,0007. by a
tontine, granting annuities on lives at 6 per cent, with the
benefit of survivorship. Harcourt put the saving effected by
reuniting the revenue boards at io,ooo/., and thought that by
' regulation and reduction ' this sum might be raised to
5o,ooo/. ; a Stamp Act and other duties on wine, fine teas,
&c. would produce 88,8oo/., and so the yearly deficit would
be supplied.6
The Commons consented, but the Privy Council, apparently
from a desire to assert its control, returned the Bills with
alterations. The House ' was in a flame ' ; the rejection of
the Bills was certain, and all Harcourt could do was to per-
suade two or three members to prevent it from being unani-
mous : he would not forget their compliance.7 The Commons,
having made their protest, passed the Supply Bills, adopting
most of the Council's alterations, though Ponsonby, Barry
Barry,8 and the party of the Duke of Leinster, who had
1 Page 40 ; Lecky, misled by Hardy's Charlemont, believed that Flood was
the mover (Hist. iv. 412), but on this matter Harcourt's letter, of November 26,
is decisive.
2 Page 39. 3 Page 8. 4 Page 17. 5 Page 16.
6 Harcourt to North, December 6, 1773.
T Page 16; Harcourt to North, December 30, 1773. 8 Page 3.
xxvi INTRODUCTION
succeeded his father on November 19, voted against the
Government, and the new duties were secured for a year
and nine months from March 25, 1774, The Commons were
gratified by the consent of the British Government to a Bill
for granting bounties on the exportation of Irish corn, and
they partially relieved the hereditary revenue by providing
that the bounties on the inland carriage of corn charged upon
it should not for the future exceed 35,ooo/. ; any charge above
that amount was to be supplied by taxation.
As a rule Harcourt could reckon on a good majority in
Parliament, for he steadily pursued the plan of gratifying
members by his use of the Crown patronage. Blaquiere,
who in the summer of 1774 became Sir John, receiving the
* red ribband ' of the Order of the Bath, exercised an authority
in the House of Commons which, combined with his tactical
skill, was of the highest value on any critical occasion,1 and
was indefatigable in cajolery and in practising the arts of
seduction, so that according to Charlemont ' the whole period
of Lord Harcourt's viceroyalty was a continued job.' 2 One
of his successes, incomplete at the date of our document, is
specially famous. By the autumn of 1773 Harcourt had
reason to believe that Flood, the leader of the patriots since
the death of Lucas, might be won over by an offer of place.3
Blaquiere promised him some great office and, Flood main-
tained, the first that fell vacant. A fine opportunity for
strengthening the Government party occurred in June, 1774 :
Andrews, the Provost of Trinity College, Dublin, died. Be-
fore the breath was out of Andrews's body, Harcourt begged
Rochford to see that the appointment was reserved for his
gift, that it was not made in London. He had many appli-
cations, for the office was one of dignity, and was worth
2,ooo/. a year. By the statutes it could only be held by an
ecclesiastic, but the Crown had dispensed with this rule in
the appointment of Andrews, and might do so again.4 Among
Harcourt's many embarrassments none had been * more
difficult than to make a proper provision for Mr. Flood.'
1 Page 43. - Charlemont Manuscripts, i. 35.
8 Harcourt to North, October 3, 1773.
4 Harcourt to Rochford, June 16 and 19, 1774.
INTRODUCTION xxvii
Now this seemed possible — not that he meant to give him
the provostship, for that was an appointment for life, and he
thought that if Flood found himself secure, he might some
day prove ungrateful, but he saw his way to provide
him ' with a great and honourable appointment ' held at
pleasure.
Harcourt developed his plan. He wanted the provostship
for Hely Hutchinson, the prime Serjeant and alnager.1
Hutchinson's place as prime serjeant was worth i.ioo/. a
year, and his professional earnings brought up his profits to
between 4,ooo/. and 5,ooo/. As alnager he had i,8oo/., but
8oo/. of this he had bought for an unfinished term of
twenty-one years for 5,ooo/. He was tired of the bar, and
desired to retire from practice and ' cultivate the arts and
sciences.' Harcourt said a good deal about his fitness for the
provostship, but the plain truth is that he wished to rob the
University of 2,ooo/. a year to gratify a political supporter.2
Hutchinson, however, was not to give up too much, and
Harcourt recommended that a request that he made in 1772
should be granted, that he and his two young sons and the
survivor of them should have the office of searcher of the port
of Strangford, and that, the office being valueless, a salary of
i,ooo/. should be annexed to it. Dennis was to succeed him
as prime serjeant to gratify Shannon, with whom this was * a
principal and first object.' The alnage was to go to Flood
with i,ooo/. a year.
Hutchinson, who in spite of his lack of scholarship did
not prove a bad provost, and Dennis received their appoint-
ments, but Flood refused the alnage. He was deeply
offended because the provostship was not offered to him ; he
said that Blaquiere had promised him the first great office
that fell vacant, and insisted on his importance, and the
trouble that he could cause as head of the Opposition.3 He
suggested that he should be made a vice-treasurer, which would
give him a place in the Privy Councils of Great Britain and
Ireland, and was then worth about i,7OO/. a year. The alnage
1 A sinecure office so-called from measuring stuff by the ell.
2 Charkmont Manuscripts > i. 324.
3 Harcourt to North, most private and confidential, July 8, 1774.
xxviii INTRODUCTION
was given to Blaquiere with its original salary of 3OO/.1
North was unwilling that Flood should have a vice-treasurer-
ship ; it was an office always used as a reward for political
services in England. Besides, none of the three vice-
treasurerships was vacant. Flood insisted on his demand,
and Harcourt urged that any expense would be better than
having him at the head of the Opposition.2
At last, after many ineffectual efforts, an arrangement
was made for a vacancy. Jenkinson, afterwards first Earl of
Liverpool, would resign his vice-treasurership for a considera-
tion. A sufficient consideration was supplied. Charles James
Fox held the sinecure office of clerk of the pells in Ireland. A
ruined gambler, he was in need of ready money, and sold his
office for 3O,ooo/., and a pension of i,7OO/. a year from Ireland.
The agreement between him and Blaquiere was signed on
April 12, 1775, the pension being divided into several sums
to enable Fox to sell it more easily.3 North was much
worried by the business, and declared that it would be his
undoing. Such was the state of the affair at the date given
in our document.4 Fox did not reap much benefit from the
transaction ; the ready money of course went to his creditors,
and he soon found that he would incur a heavy penalty if he
sat in Parliament while holding the pension, and was forced
to resign it. Jenkinson had the pells, but when the vacant
vice-treasurership was offered to Flood he refused to take it.
He went back to the old grievance of not having the provost-
ship. He pointed out that a vice-treasurer was liable to be
deprived of office, and finally said that, though he was willing
to oblige Harcourt by accepting his offer, he could not do so
if it was to add to the burdens of Ireland.5 As Harcourt
remarked, he must have known that a vacancy could not
be made for him without creating a new pension.6 In
October, however, Flood alleged that he was convinced, by
an ingenious calculation of Jenkinson's, that the arrange-
1 Correspondence of George III. with Lord North , i. 194.
2 Harcourt to North, September 3, 1774.
3 Harcourt Papers, x. 322. 4 Page 21.
5 Harcourt to North, August 13, 1775.
9 Harcourt to Blaquiere, September 19, 1775.
INTRODUCTION xxix
merit would only cost the country 35O/. a year, while the
restoration to Ireland of a great office with a large salary
was a matter of national dignity and pecuniary advantage,
and he accepted the office for which he had struggled so long.1
Reports of Flood's contemplated defection got abroad, and
while the negotiations were as yet in progress, his friend Charle-
mont wrote long and urgent letters to him entreating him not
to desert the patriotic cause.2 When the matter was decided
he did not quarrel with his ( dearest, dear Flood,' and, though
he felt that he had lost his friend, kept up friendly relations
with him, and in after-years recorded his opinion that Flood
had mainly been influenced by a mistaken belief that he
could serve his country better in high office than in opposition.3
Lecky adopted this view, and has written an able defence of
Flood's integrity.4 Perhaps he scarcely allows due weight to
an incident which he notes somewhat cursorily. As early as
I/675 Flood eagerly desired a seat in the British Parliament,
a more extended field for an ambitious politician than the
Parliament of Ireland, and in 1769 was prepared to bid as
high as 4,ooo/. for one 6 ; but the matter fell through. He
would then have entered the House as an adherent of
Chatham and Camden, with whom he was in occasional
communication.
In April 1775 Charlemont heard that he was seeking a
seat as a follower of North, and refused to believe that he
would ' enlist under the banners of a Ministry engaged in
operations not only disapproved by your judgment, but
abhorrent to the warmest feelings of your heart.' 7 He
doubtless alluded — at least chiefly — to the quarrel with the
American Colonies. The report was in the main true. Flood
asked North to provide him with a seat in 1776, and his
1 Original Letters to H. Flood, pp. 68-9.
2 Ibid., pp. 65-67, 70-84.
3 Charlemont Manuscripts, i. 38-39.
4 History, iv. 420-28, where a fuller account of the negotiations is given than
seemed called for here, and Leaders of Public Opinion in Ireland, pp. 76-8.
Flood's own defence was made in Parliament on November I, 1783 (see Memoirs
of H. Flood, pp. 2IO, sqq.).
5 Lecky overlooked this first attempt (see Historv, iv. 428).
u Letters to Flood, p. 48. 7 Ibid., p. 71.
xxx INTRODUCTION
request was declined.1 It may indeed be pleaded that North
wished well to Ireland, and in 1775 and 1779-80 conferred
considerable benefits upon her, and that Flood may have
acted conscientiously in deserting the American cause for the
sake of his own country. But Charlemont knew as much of
all this as Flood did, and his opinion should have the
greatest possible weight, for he was a man of the nicest
honour. Whatever, then, Flood's motives for accepting
office may have been, and they doubtless were not wholly
selfish, they should not be estimated without taking into
account his willingness to become one of North's followers.
In the summer of 1775 Harcourt had some cause for
anxiety as to the future. Heavy as the taxes were which
had recently been voted, they were insufficient to meet the
needs of Government ; the expenses of the two years
ending at Lady-day had exceeded the revenue by 247,7977. ;
the national debt was stated at 93i,69O/., and the net amount
of civil pensions for the two years at i64,i37/. I2s., and
the list, as it stood on September 29, amounted to
79,059/. 17^. 6d? More money would soon be urgently
needed, and it seemed impossible to get it by taxation ; the
linen manufacture was ruined by the cessation of trade with
America, and the profits of agriculture were swept away by
an embargo on the exportation of provisions.
The quarrel with the colonies had been growing more and
more bitter, and on April 19 war had actually begun. The
refusal of the dominant party in the colonies to acknowledge
the claim of the British Government to impose internal taxation
appealed to the sympathy of Irishmen, who constantly main-
tained that money Bills could not constitutionally originate
elsewhere than in their own House of Commons, and that
they must be accepted without alteration. The Presbyterians
of the north were almost universally on the American side, and
were encouraged in their sentiments by correspondence with
leading members of the Opposition in the British Parliament.3
Many Irish emigrants, mostly, though not exclusively, Pro-
testant, had lately gone over to the colonies, and from them
1 North to Harcourt, March 25, 1776.
- Commons' Journals > xvii. 115-121, 134, 179 ; Plowden, Historical Review,
441. 3 Blaquiere to North, October 12, 1775 (see Appendix).
INTRODUCTION xxxi
came the pick of the rebel forces, and Irishmen thought
kindly of a land in which their fellow-countrymen had found
a home and prosperity, while as for England, what had she
done for them ? Sympathy with the revolt was gaining
strength daily ; at midsummer the municipality of Dublin ex-
pressed the feelings of the citizens by a vote of thanks to
Lord Efrmgham for having resigned his command rather than
' draw his sword against the lives and liberties of his fellow-
subjects in America.' The Opposition in Parliament was
numerically weak, but it would certainly use American
affairs as giving opportunity for activity during the coming
session, and there was so little stability in the composition of
parties, that it might at any time receive an unexpected re-
inforcement. At this moment the disposition of the Irish
Parliament was peculiarly important to the British Govern-
ment ; for the Ministers were anxious to be enabled to prove
that the King's policy was not unpopular in Ireland, and the
King wanted to withdraw troops from her for service in
America.
The regiments in Ireland were not nearly up to their
full strength, the infantry regiments on an average not
reaching 500 effective men and officers. In January 1775
the number of effective soldiers in the kingdom was 12,636,
but so many of these were under orders to sail, that
Blaquiere, who was in London, found that the number would
be reduced to 11,618 men, 382 less than the Crown was
bound to keep in Ireland, and he told Rochford plainly that
the Ministers were acting illegally.1 The regiments which
came over from England were likewise short of men ; the
30th Foot, which landed on April 19, had only 439 effective
men and officers, the 3rd Foot, which came over in May, only
430. Rochford wrote to the Lord-Lieutenant that in order
to fill vacancies more speedily ' the King granted him leave
to connive at the regiments then in Ireland taking Irish
recruits.' 2 Recruiting was urged forward both in the Catholic
south and the Presbyterian north. The Catholics responded
eagerly ; the rich among them subscribed to give extra
bounties on enlistment, and recruits came forward in large
1 Blaquiere to Harcourt, January 20, 1775.
2 Rochford to Harcourt, February 6 and March 31, 1775.
xxxii INTRODUCTION
numbers. Between April 6 and May n, however, 3,619
men and officers were embarked, and on June I only 10,736
effective men were left in the country.1 Harcourt must have
expected the notice, which was actually sent to him on
August I, that he would have to inform Parliament that the
King desired their concurrence in withdrawing a force of
4,000 men from the already depleted Irish army for service in
America. The Catholics had no political power ; he would
have to appeal to a Parliament of Irish Protestants ; how
would the announcement be received ? It is certain, too,
that he and Blaquiere were already contemplating the
general election for which, as may be seen in the Appendix,
they made preparations in the autumn.
They had cause for considering what hold they had upon
the existing Parliament, and for reckoning upon the amount
of support on which they could rely, for noting the favours
which members had already received from Government, and
the return that they had made for them. Such a list
would enable the Lord-Lieutenant and the Chief Secretary to
gauge their position, and would be a guide in dispensing
future favours. The preparation of this list would naturally
fall to Blaquiere, and the result of his political stock-taking is
given in the following document. That, in spite of more than
one notice of his own performances such as no man of ordinary
modesty could write,2 it is his composition seems proved by
one of the passages in which the first person singular occurs,
the note on Richard Fitzgerald : the matter to which this
passage refers was of so peculiarly delicate a character, that
the letter mentioned there would not have been in the
keeping of any one except either the Lord- Lieutenant or the
Chief Secretary. Admitting that Blaquiere composed the
document, we may see some significance in the absence of
any remark after his name, and in the account of his duel
with Beauchamp Bagenall. The state of the House of Commons
is given as on July 2, 1775 ; and that we may fairly assume
to have been the approximate date of the whole original
manuscript.
1 The numbers of the troops are taken from a return made by the Adjutant -
General of the Irish Army to the House of Commons (see Commons' fourna/s,
xvii. 96-7). 2 Pages 34, 41.
INTRODUCTION xxxiii
Another somewhat similar list is printed in the ' Harcourt
Papers,' x. 287-371, and many of the remarks which there
follow the names of members are repeated in our document
But it belongs to an earlier date, recording the state of things
at the very beginning of Harcourt's lieutenancy, and is by
no means so full or so interesting. That it was not drawn up
before December 1773 is proved by its notices of 'the late '
Administration. It was certainly not made later than
October 12, 1773 ; for Thomas Monck is given as member
for Old Leighlin, and Blaquiere was elected to fill his place,
vacant by death, before October 1 2, for according to an Act of
ii George III., the Speaker issued warrants for new writs
during a recess of Parliament in the places of any who died
during that period.1 This would give from December i, 1772,
to October 1773 as the possible time for the 'Harcourt
Papers ' list. But we may perhaps get a nearer date. In the
' Harcourt Papers ' list Hugh Massey, member for co.
Limerick, is represented as wanting a regiment for his brother.
Now his brother, Lieutenant-Colonel Eyre Massey, was
appointed colonel of the 27th Inniskilling Regiment of Foot
on February 19, 1773, and therefore the list must have been
drawn up before that date.2 The Appendix of this volume
contains what may be described as a sequel to Blaquiere's
list, a record of the political success attained through the
corrupt means by which the direct influence of the Crown
was established over Parliament, the rise of a spirit which
threatened to weaken that influence, and the further means
taken by Lord Harcourt to preserve and strengthen it. The
effects which the royal policy and the method of carrying it
out brought upon Ireland lie beyond my limits.
The document which follows occupies about two-thirds,
and is the sole contents of an oblong quarto volume, bound
in limp red morocco gilt, with gilt edges to the leaves, and
a flap originally fastened with a band. The binding is
English, or in this case more probably Irish work, for
Blaquiere, who in 1775 married an Irish lady, Eleanor,
1 Commons' Journals ^ xvi. 9.
2 I have to thank Mr. H. Hall, of the Record Office, for kindly pointing this
out to me.
b
xxxiv INTRODUCTION
daughter of Robert Dobson, of Cork, settled in Ireland, and
in 1800 was created Baron de Blaquiere in the Irish peerage.
The handwriting is not Blaquiere's,1 but that of a clerk or
professional transcriber, and there can be no doubt that the
volume was transcribed for Blaquiere from his original
manuscript, which would probably either be left among the
muniments of the Castle, or taken away by Lord Harcourt.
Four large volumes of Harcourt's correspondence, chiefly
transcripts, are in the Public Record Office, two relating to
his embassy in France, and the other two to his lieutenancy
in Ireland, and they are officially certified as having been
Blaquiere's property. It is worth noting that all four are
bound in the same red morocco and in the same style as
this volume, except that being large and heavy they have
solid covers, and the flaps seem to have been fastened with
clasps, and perhaps locked. In the list of members in this
volume a thin ink-mark is placed over each name, as though
a copyist had gone through the list ticking the names off to
ensure the completeness of his work. Another evidence of
transcription is that the note explaining the significance of
the marks appended to certain names in the * State of the
House of Commons ' (p. 56) is screwed in cross-wise in
a small vacant space in the page before the * State,' as
though it had first been omitted by mistake, and then
inserted as near to its proper place as was possible. The
marks are for the most part omitted in the list.
The manuscript has been printed as it stands, except
that a few contracted words, such as Excellency, have re-
ceived their obvious expansion : there is no good middle
way between expanding a contraction, and representing it
in facsimile, which in this case would have entailed an
absolutely useless expense. The volume was purchased
some years ago of a London bookseller by Mr. Vincent
mendation of my friend Mr. C. Hagberg Wright, Mr. Scully
invited me to edit it.
1 By the kindness of Mrs. S. C. Lomas, of the Record Office, I have been
enabled to compare the writing with that of a private letter of Blaquiere's to
William Pitt, undoubtedly written by his ownjiand, and to profit by her skill in
such a matter.
THE MANUSCRIPT
CONCERNING
THE IRISH PARLIAMENT. 1775
IN THE POSSESSION OF
VINCENT SCULLY, ESQUIRE
[The manuscript volume which contains this document has
no title> nor has this List of the Members of the Irish
House of Commons any heading. The spelling of the
manuscript has been preserved.~\
Errata
Page xxxiv, 7 lines from bottom, dele "lately member for Co. Tipperary.*' Mr.
Vincent Scully has never sat in Parliament.
,, 92, 10 lines from bottom, for Perry (F. ) read Perry (G. G.)
Connected with Lord Shannon — was a Commissioner of
the Barrack Board — exchanged in November 1772 with Mr.
Mitchell, the Treasurer — a good attendant but will find it
very difficult to come in again for Bandon.
Agar, James. COUNTY OF KILKENNY
Commissioner of the Customs — a Trustee of the Linen
Board — his brother a Bishop — has two Boroughs — Sold three
Seats — ought not to Sell One now that he is provided for —
Mr. Geo. Dunbar who is in for his fourth Seat has a Pension
of £300, obtained by Lord Townshend — He is nephew to
Mr. Ellis — has had many small Favours from Lord Harcourt,
particularly, 2 Boatmen — 3 Tidewaiters — 3 Supernumerary
Guagers — 4 Hearth Money Collectors — Two Distributors ol
Stamps — a Supervisor of Hearth Money.
Alexander, James. CITY OF DERRY
Came in upon the Death of the late Provost — a Gentle-
man of large Property & good Character.
B
[The manuscript volume which contains this document has
no title, nor has this List of the Members of the Irish
House of Commons any heading. The spelling of the
manuscript has been preserved^
Acheson, Sir Archd. COUNTY OF ARMAGH
A Privy Councillor — Recommended for a Peerage —
wants an Employment of ^"200 a year for his Son in Law —
a Steady Friend to Government, & a most respectable man
— Lord Harcourt gave to his Recommendation a Distributor
of Stamps.
Adderly, Thomas. BOROUGH OF BANDON
Connected with Lord Shannon — was a Commissioner of
the Barrack Board — exchanged in November 1772 with Mr.
Mitchell, the Treasurer — a good attendant but will find it
very difficult to come in again for Bandon.
Agar, James. COUNTY OF KILKENNY
Commissioner of the Customs — a Trustee of the Linen
Board — his brother a Bishop — has two Boroughs — Sold three
Seats — ought not to Sell One now that he is provided for —
Mr. Geo. Dunbar who is in for his fourth Seat has a Pension
of £300, obtained by Lord Townshend — He is nephew to
Mr. Ellis — has had many small Favours from Lord Harcourt,
particularly, 2 Boatmen — 3 Tidewaiters — 3 Supernumerary
Guagers — 4 Hearth Money Collectors — Two Distributors oi
Stamps — a Supervisor of Hearth Money.
Alexander, James. CITY OF DERRY
Came in upon the Death of the late Provost — a Gentle-
man of large Property & good Character.
B
2 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
Aldworth, Richard, Junr. B. OF DONERAILE
Lord Shannon's Friend — Nephew to Mr. Sentleger Sent-
leger who sollicits the Title of Doneraile.
Allan, Thomas. BOROUGH OF KILLYBEGS
Purchased his Seat — was a Commissioner of the Customs
— upon re-uniting the Boards, he was removed & pensioned
at £600. — formerly Taster of Wines for which he received
from Mr. Beresford £800 — He had several small Favours from
Lord Townshend — bad Health — If he can avoid it he will
not again come into Parliament. My Lord Lieutenant has
given to his Recommendation 2 Tidewaiters and One Coast
Officer's Employment.
Archdall, Mervyn. Co. FERMANAGH
Married to Dawson's Daughter & much connected
with Lord Ross — Seeks Popularity in the County — generally
against.
Armstrong, John. BOROUGH OF FORE
Purchased his Seat from Lord Westmeath — Is a Lawyer
with a large fortune — with Government in general, but much
abroad — Lord Townshend gave his Friend Lieutenant Lumm
a Company, & recommended Mrs. Thomas Mr. A.'s Sister
for a Pension, but did not obtain it.
Aylmer, Sir Fitzgerald. BOROUGH OF OLD LEIGHLIN
Connected with, & constantly follows the Duke of
Leinster.
Bagenall, Beauchamp. Co. CARLOW
Lord Townshend obtained a Lieutenant Colonelcy for his
Friend Major Pigot — Promised to support — went abroad,
& never gave a Vote to Government during Lord Towns-
hend's Administration — In the beginning of Lord Harcourt's
He contrived to quarrell with & fight Sir John Blaquiere —
Sir John stood One Shot and allowed him to snap his Pistol
at him seven Times — Sir John reserved his Fire — Soon after
this very generous Proceeding He ask'd the Collection of
Drogheda worth £400 for his Friend Townley Dawson — He
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 3
did not attend during the last Session — It is said He does
not stand for the County or come into Parliament at the next
General Election.
Balfour, B. Townley. B. OF CARLINGFORD
Lord Townshend gave his friend a Deanery worth £200
— during his Lordship's Administration Independent and
with Government when he wanted a point — and when he
had nothing to ask with Lord Tyrone — To Lord Harcourt's
Administration He has been uniformly steady — His Ex-
cellency gave to his Nomination the Surveyorship of Queens-
borough worth £150 — to Mr. Moore — and Distributor of
Stamps for the County Lowth.
Barry, Barry. Co. CAVAN
Brother to Lord Farnham — Prothonotary of the Court of
Common Pleas, for life, & Lord Farnham had leave to Sell
his Office of Birmingham Tower, £7000. in his Pocket — This
Gentleman on being refused to have his Son's Life included
in the Prothonotor's Patent, constantly opposed — He was
equally an oponent during the last Session to Lord Har-
court's Administration as he had been during the whole of
Lord Townshend's.
Barry, Robert. B. OF CHARLEVILLE
Brought in by Lord Shannon — Seneschall of the King's
Manours £600. — Commissioner of Appeals ^300. and
King's Council — Supports from Situation — attach'd to Lord
Shannon.
Barry, James. B. OF RATHCORMICK
Brother to Mrs. Sentleger Sentleger — Lord Shannon's
Friend — wont be returned at the next General Election —
That Borough is now in the possession of Mr. Tonson.
Beauchamp, Lord. Co. ANTRIM
His Brother Henry Constable of Dublin Castle and Clerk
of the Crown in the King's Bench in Reversion — Privy Coun-
sellor— Lord Harcourt obtained for his brother Robert a
Majority of Horse.
B 2
4 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
Beresford, John. Co. WATERFORD
Brother to Lord Tyrone — Privy Council — Commissioner
of the Revenue £1000. — Taster of Wines to him and his
Son ;£iooo. more — a Living of £700. to his Brother, and
many Employments in the Revenue to his Friends during
Lord Townshend's Administration — He is a Man of Busi-
ness— has been very steady in his Support — Lord Harcourt
has given to his Recommendation the following Employ-
ments— Six Boatmen — 11 Tidewaiters — 7 Guagers — i Coast
Officer.
Bernard, Francis. B. OF BANDON
Always lives in England — He has a very large Fortune.
Bingham, Sir Charles. Co. MAYO
Formerly wanted to be of the Privy Council — has always
been in Opposition both to Lord Townshend's and during
the last Session to Lord Harcourt's Administration — He is
in private Life a respectable amiable Man — Independent
from Fortune — Has been attentive to Lord Harcourt and is
very much attach'd to Sir John Blaquiere — It is probable in
the ensuing Session he may Support — His object is a
Peerage — he has been very usefull to Sir John in his late
Negotiations particularly with Mr. Fox.
Birch, Robt. B. OF BELTURBET
Purchased of Lord Lanesborough, and has also secured a
Seat in the New Parliament — Lord Townshend allowed his
Brother to resign his place in the Revenue to his Nephew-
gave several small Employments to his Friends — He is a sort
of Merchant Banker — A Man of bad Character in private
Life — His object is to obtain from the Crown a Grant of
some Livings which belonged to an Estate he purchased of
Lord Kingsland — He supported steadily Lord Townshend's
Administration, and he has behaved equally well to Lord
Harcourt's — His Excellency has given his Friends the
following Employments — One Hearth Money Collection —
One Coast Officer.
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 5
Blackwood, John. B. OF BANGOR
Usually in Opposition — not to be influenced except by
Lord Hertford who made His Father a Baronet — Inde-
pendent.
Blakeney, John. BOROUGH OF ATHENRY
Lord Townshend obtained Leave for him to sell his
Company which he had not purchased, and gave him a Pen-
sion of £200. — He now wants an Addition of ^"200. more.
Theophilus Blakeney. B. OF ATHENRY
He is Brother to John — He had also Leave to Sell his
Company which He had not purchased, and Lord Townshend
made him a Surveyor-General £500. a year — These Gentlemen
have a Family Borough, but at the General Election One of
them only will be returned for it, their Nephew, to whom it
belongs, being of Age intends being in Parliament himself—
Theo. says he has not more than £800. in the World which
he will apply towards the Purchase of a Seat, but unless he
is assisted by Government He will not be able to accomplish
it — In Lord Townshend's Administration they attended con-
stantly— during the last Session they absented themselves on
several critical Occasions and twice went to the Country
without any communication with Sir John.
Blighe, Thomas. B. OF ATHBOY
Behaved very honourably to Government during Lord
Townshend's Administration, particularly in his Support of
the Augmentation — His Lordship gave a Deanery to his
Brother and an Ensigncy to his Nephew — He did not attend
on any material Question during the last Session.
Blunden, Sir John. CITY OF KILKENNY
Made a Baronet in 1766 — has some Demand on Govern-
ment of the nature of Lord Conyngham's — Lord Townshend
lost the Vouchers of it — He wants a Pension — Lord Tyrone
has some Influence with him — Supported & Opposed
alternately — Always, to use his own Expression to Lord
North, in the Wrong Box — He did not attend during the
last Session.
6 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
Bolton, Cornelius. CITY OF WATERFORD
Always in Opposition — Lord Tyrone affects to have some
Influence with him — has been latterly attach'd to Mr. Pon-
sonby — very Independent.
Burrowes, Sir Kildare. Co. KILDARE
Entirely attach'd to the Duke of Leinster.
Bourke, John, senr. BOROUGH OF NAAS
Commissioner of Customs — Lord Townshend obtained
the Bishoprick of Femes for his Son — He made another a
Landwaiter, and gave to his recommendation a number of
small Employments in the Revenue — He supported steadily —
He now wants a Peerage — Lord Harcourt has given to his
recommendation — i Boatman — i Tidewaiter — i Guager —
i Hearth Money Collection — i Coast Officer — i Land
Carriage Officer.
John Bourke, junr. BOROUGH OF NAAS
Son to the Commissioner — He was in Lord Townshend's
Administration Surveyor of the Stores worth £400. — his
Lordship obtained a Pension of ,£200. to his Friend Mr.
Ormsby, by which means he discharged a Debt of .£1,500.—
Lord Harcourt made him Receiver-General of the Stamp
Office worth £600. — He is a very zealous Friend to Govern-
ment, but not inattentive to his own Interests — very attach'd
to Lord Townshend — a useful Member of Parliament, and
has been very zealous and active in support of Lord Harcourt's
Administration — Lord Harcourt has given to his Recom-
mendation One Quay Porter £4.0.
Broderick, Edward. BOROUGH OF MIDDLETON
Brought in by Lady Middleton — has a Commission in
the Guards — sometimes assisted and as often opposed Lord
Townshend — seldom attends — not at all during the last
Session — Influenced entirely by Lady Middleton.
Butler, Pierce. B. OF KILLYLEAH
Brother to Lord Carrick — has hitherto supported.
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 7
Brooke, Sir Arthur. Co. FERMANAGH
Made a Baronet in 1764 — Lord Townshend obtained the
Privy Council for him, and a Majority of Dragoons for his
Brother without Purchase — Brother in Law to Lord Cler-
mont — against Government in his Heart, much connected
with the Tyrones & Fortescues, and during Lord Towns-
hend's Administration acted as they did — In the last Session
he opposed upon every material Question at the same pro-
fessing great attachment to Lord Harcourt & living much
with him — He obtained by surprise upon His Excellency
the office of Distributor of Stamps for this County at the
very moment he was opposing the Duty in the House, and
then quarrell'd with & maligned Sir John Blaquiere in
every company because he told him that he believed that
office was engaged to a Friend who supported the measure,
and that if the disposal of it had depended upon him, He,
Sir Arthur, should not have it — In private Life He is
generally esteem'd — In publick very insincere, ungratefull to
the Crown, & never to be depended on — For his Conduct
last Session He ought to have been struck out of the Council.
Browne, James. BOROUGH OF JAMESTOWN
Son to Lord Altamont — At the Bar — able in Parliament
but very ill heard — very steady — entirely devoted to his
Brother the Colonel's Interest and contributes much to the
Support of his Family — Lord Harcourt has given to his
Recommendation One Boatman.
Browne, Arthur. BOROUGH OF GOWRAN
Second Son to Lord Altamont — Lieutenant Colonel of
the 28th by Purchase — Lord Townshend gave his Son a
Cornetcy — made one Brother a Surveyor General ,£500. —
allowed the younger Brother to succeed the Surveyor in the
Collection of Foxford worth £270. — strongly attach'd to Lord
Townshend — a most zealous Friend of Government — Altho'
a bad Speaker a most usefull & necessary Member for the
Castle & much beloved — He has supported Lord Harcourt
with great Steadiness and very ably — His Excellency obtained
for him the Constableship of Carrickfergus with a Sallary of
8 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
^365. — It is said the Lands belonging to it are worth ^"200
more — and His Excellency has given to his Recommendation
i Boatman — i Guager — i Hearth Money Collector.
Brownlowe, William. COUNTY OF ARMAGH
Privy Counsellor — Independent — very able in Parliament
— has great Influence with Mr. T. Knox and Colonel Ross —
much attended to by the House — during Lord Townshend's
Administration He thought very favorably of the Duke of
Leinster's Politicks and always was in Opposition — He sup-
ported Government very handsomely in the Loughswilly Trial
before the Council and, altho' not directly & on every Question,
in the House of Commons, yet upon allmost every Matter of
Importance He gave Lord Harcourt a very effectual Support,
and was of the utmost Service in carrying thro' the new
Taxes — His Excellency gave to his Nomination first a Living
of £120. — He afterwards promoted the same Person to One
of £300. — He gave his Friend, Mr. Workman, in exchange for
the Collection of Dundalk, an Employment in the Stamps
worth near ^"300. — a Clerkship of £60. to another Friend—
and the Distributor of Stamps for the County of Downe — &
Three Boatmen & One Tide waiter to his Recommendation
—a Company to his Son, a Boy, in the 57th — a Favor of
very great magnitude.
Burgh, William. BOROUGH OF ATHY
The Duke of Leinster's — a mere Spit Fire — a pert peevish
Boy — His Fortune is much involved, and he now lives in
England — has commenced Author.
Burton, William. B. OF NEW TOWN LIMAVADY
Nephew and entirely dependant on Lord Conyngham,
Lord Townshend gave his Uncle the Linen Board — a Living
of £400. to his Friend Dr. Nesbit — Mr. Burton is very able in
Parliament, of strict Honor, and never Opposed Lord Towns-
hend but when obliged by express Directions from his Uncle
— He has been permitted & supported Lord Harcourt with
great zeal & ability — He is Aid de Camp to His Excellency
altho out of the Army — and was lately appointed a Com-
missioner & Comptroller of the Barrack Board worth £600.
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 9
His Excellency has given to his Recommendation the follow-
ing Employments in the Revenue. — One Examiner — 2 Tide-
waiters — 2 Guagers — One Hearth another Hearth Money
Collection & Coxwain of a Barge — Supervisor Stamps to
Mr. Fisher £70.
Burton, Pierpoint. Co. OF CLARE
Brother to William & also Nephew to Lord Conyngham
—Son in Law to Mr. Clements — Lord Townshend obtained
a Pension for his Wife of £600. and a Quartermaster's Com-
mission to his Friend Mr. Finuken — He lives chiefly abroad,
& it is supposed will not be returned for the next Parliament
— My Lord Harcourt gave to his Recommendation a Coast
Officer's Employment.
Blaquiere, Sir John. BOROUGH OF LEIGHLIN
Privy Counsellor & Chief Secretary.
Brab[a]zon, William. Co. WICKLOW
Mr. Ponsonby's Connection — Brother to Lord Meath —
his Father lost his Pension — always against.
Bushe, Gervas Parker. B. OF GRANARD
Lord Townshend made him a Commissioner of Accounts
^"500. — Once an ingenious Speaker against Government — now
he seldom opens his Mouth, and when he does ; the recollec-
tion of his former Patriotism choaks him — much connected
with Mr. Flood & Mr. Langriche — From Situation very
Independent — His Conduct during the last Session was at
best equivocal, and in one or two Instances hostile to
Government.
Butler, John. B. OF NEWCASTLE
Uncle to Lord Lanesborough — Clerk of the Pipe for Life
;£i2OO. a year — Supported last Session — Lord Harcourt gave
his Relation Mr. Harris an Ensigncy.
Burton, William. Co. CARLOW
Nephew to Mr. Ponsonby and entirely in his Interest —
Son to the late Commissioner Burton.
io THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
Campbell, Lord Fred. BOROUGH OF IRISHTOWN
Was Secretary to Lord Townshend — never will attend.
Cane, Hugh. BOROUGH OF TALLAGH
Lieutenant Colonel of the 5. Dragoons — Lord Townshend
gave his Friend a sinecure Living of ^150. — a steady Friend
to Government — He wants to sell his Lieutenant Colonelcy
and to get a civil Employment — Lord Harcourt has given to
his Recommendation i Examiner — i Tide waiter & i Guager.
Cavendish, James. B. OF LIFFORD
Lord Erne's. Son to Sir Henry — Collector of Dundalk
^200.
Carew, Robert. BOROUGH OF DUNGARVAN
Has been constantly in Opposition— much connected
with Mr. Ponsonby — a little with Lord Shannon — Lord
Tyrone may perhaps have some Influence with him.
Shapland Carew. CITY OF WATERFORD
Father to Robert — always in Opposition.
Carleton, Hugh. BOROUGH OF TUAM
Brought into Parliament by Lord Townshend — King's
Council — Son to Mr. Carleton of Corke — an able sensible
Man — of strict Honor — much respected by Mr. Waite—
There is a Shyness between him and the Provost from his
Family Influence in Corke — Married to Major Mercer's
Daughter — a tolerable Speaker— much esteemed by the
Chancellor as a good Lawyer and a man of great Integrity
and Application — He supported last Session steadily & ably
—He is to have a civil Employment of not less than £400.
for himself, or for a Time will be satisfied if Serjeant Hamil-
ton is made a Judge, to be made second or third Serjeant—
His Object is the Bench — On the late failure of his Father
at Corke Lord Harcourt gave his Brother Francis the Collec-
tion of Athlone worth £300. — and appointed the Father
Agent for conducting the Embarcation of the Eight Regi-
ments lately sent to America. — He has given to his Recom-
mendation Two Boatmen.
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 11
Carey, Edward. Co. OF LONDONDERRY
Privy Counsellor — Brother in Law to Lord Tyrone — in
general with Government — on popular questions against —
very Independent — sollicitous not to be thought biassed by
Lord Tyrone's Family — Lord Harcourt has given to his
Recommendation — a Scale Porter — i Supernumerary Guager
— 2 Hearth Money Collections.
Conolly, Thomas. Co. LONDONDERRY
Privy Counsellor — Lord Townshend gave his Friend the
Deanery of Cloger, Dr. Woodward, & a Living, both
worth ;£ i, 400. a year, of which the Deanery is at least £800. —
He also gave several Employments to others in the Revenue
— made his Brother in Law, Mr. Staples, a Commissioner,
£1,000. — gave him two Quartermasters' Commissions — two
Barrackmasters' Employments— gave a Deanery and Prefer-
ment to Dr. Marley worth £850. — Lord Harcourt gave £65. a
year to his recommendation for George Gavan — His chief
merit with Lord Townshend was his Support of the Augmen-
tation, otherwise, altho respectable from his Property, He is
so capricious & unsteady, that there is very little dependence
to be had on him, and in my own opinion it would be better for
Government that He was a declared Oponent of its Measures
—He ought for his Behaviour last Session to have been
turned out of the Council — he has quarrell'd with Lord
Harcourt because His Excellency refused him the exclusive
Nomination to all Revenue Employments in the Counties of
Derry & Donegal, & rejected his Proposal for seperating
the See of Ardagh from that of Tuam in order to bring his
Friend Dr. Woodward on the Bench — And he has also
quarrell'd with Sir John Blaquiere merely on the presumption
that he advised His Excellency against granting either of
these Propositions — he has given to his Recommendation
One Supernumerary Guager — Coast Office, Wicklow,
Cavendish, Sir Henry. BOROUGH OF LISMORE
Teller of the Exchequer, a Baronet in 1755.— made a
Privy Counsellor by Lord Townshend, and gave him a
Hearth Money Collection for Mr. Watts — He was very
12 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
steady in his Support of Lord Townshend — He has been
equally attentive to Lord Harcourt — He is a respectable
amiable Man — much afflicted with the gout, & on that
account his attendance is very uncertain — His great Object is
to get his Son James joined with him in the Office of Teller
of the Exchequer — He purchased a Seat for Son in the last
Session — Lord Harcourt gave him the Collection of Dundalk
worth £200. — and made Watts, the Hearth Money Collector, a
Supervisor £6$. also gave to Lady Cavendish a Supernumerary
Guager — and Mate of the Cruizing Barge, Kinsale.
Caulfield, Francis. B. OF CHARLEMONT
His Brother made a Earl in 1763 — They both constantly
opposed Lord Townshend — Towards the middle of last
Session, Mr. Caulfield shewed some Disposition to support
Government — He is very poor and greatly embarrass'd in his
Circumstances.
Caulfield, William. B. OF TULSK
Collector of Donaghadee, worth .£200. — Gentleman of the
Bed-Chamber — a steady and certain vote for Government upon
all occasions — Lord Harcourt gave to his Recommendation a
Hearth Money Collection — since dismiss'd, and ought to have
been hang'd.
Chichester, John. CITY OF CARRICKFERGUS
Brother to Lord Donegall — never has attended.
Chapman, Benjamin. BOROUGH OF FORE
Came into Parliament last Session — a Lawyer — does not
want ability — very violent in opposition, Speaks very often,
and is pretty well heard — He is Nephew to Mr. Clements, but
in his politicks totally unconnected with him.
Clement, William. CITY OF DUBLIN
Vice Provost of the College, always against and an
oponent of the Provost.
Clements, Robert. BOROUGH OF CARRICK
Trustee of the Linen Board — was a Commissioner of the
Revenue but removed on the reuniting of the Boards— He
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 13
refused his Pension of £600., and affected to be offended
because there had not been an earlier communication with
him upon that measure — He is a peevish, Shy, retired Man,
a bad attender, and the Father pretends on some occasions
that he cannot influence him. Lord Harcourt gave to his
Recommendation 2 Boatmen — i Tide waiter, and One Coast
Officer.
Theo. Clements. BOROUGH OF CAVAN
Second Son to Mr. Clements — Agent to the Regiments
paid by Ireland serving abroad, worth £800. a year — He
wants to be joined with his Father as Deputy Vice Treasurer
—Lord Harcourt has given to his Recommendation Two
Tidewaiters & 3 Supernumerary Guagers.
Clements, Nathaniel. Co. LEITRIM
Privy Counsellor — Deputy Vice Treasurer — Ranger of
the Phoenix Park — Searcher of Dublin — Paymaster of the
Pensions — Lord Townshend gave him many small Employ-
ments in the Revenue — He attends and Supports constantly
—Lord Harcourt has given to his Recommendation i Boat-
man— 3 Tidewaiters — i Hearth Money Collection — Dis-
tributor Stamps, Co. Leitrim.
Coddington, Dixie. BOROUGH OF DUNLEER
Nephew to Judge Tennison — much connected with Mr.
Ponsonby — constantly Opposed Lord Townshend — During
the last Session He was as mark'd in his Support of Lord
Harcourt — He is independant of Mr. Ponsonby.
Colclough, Vesey. Co. OF WEXFORD
Much connected with Lord Ely, but always in Oppo-
sition.
Coghlan, Thomas. BOROUGH OF BANAGHER
Trustee of the Linen Board — has been very steady &
zealous in his Support — Lord Harcourt made him Store-
keeper of the Ordnance, and gave to his Recommendation
5 Supernumerary Guagers, & Distributor of Stamps, King's
County.
14 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
Colthurst, Sir John. BOROUGH OF CASTLEMARTYR
A Baronet in 1744. Lord Shannon's Friend.
Conway, Robert. BOROUGH OF LISBURNE
Lord Townshend obtained Leave for him to purchase
a Troop over the Lieutenants in the Regiment — and to
Lord Harcourt's Recommendation He owes a Majority of
Horse without Purchase. Second Son to Lord Hertford —
attended pretty constantly last Session.
Cooper, Joshua. Co. SLIGO
Independant Gent, of considerable Fortune — connected
in the County Interests with Owen Wynne — He almost
constantly Opposed Lord Townshend — great part of last
Session and towards the close of it He supported Lord
Harcourt, & without any Terms.
Coote, Guy Moore. BOROUGH OF CLONMELL
He had a Pension of £200. — Lord Townshend obtained
for him £200. more — still wants an addition — must Sup-
port from Situation — His Daughter is married to Mr.
Cavendish.
Coppinger, Maurice. B. OF ARDFERT
King's Council & second Serjeant at Law — connected
with Lord Crosbie, Sir Henry Cavendish, and Mr. Mason—
a very moderate Speaker — seldom takes in [sic any ?] part in
Debate.
Crosbie, Launcelot. BOROUGH OF ARDFERT
Brought into Parliament by Lord Crosbie — has Sup-
ported steadily. .
Corry, Armor Lowry. Co. TYRONE
North Country Gentleman — seeks Popularity — very
Independant — always against.
Cotter, Sir James. B. OF TAGHMON
His Father made a Baronet in 1763 — Hitherto in Oppo-
sition but not likely to continue — a sensible young man of
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 15
very independent Property — He made one tolerable Speech
— did not attend last Session.
Cramer, John. B. OF BELTURBET
Returned by, and acts with his Relation Lord Lanes-
borough.
Creighton, Abraham. BOROUGH OF LIFFORD
Lieutenant on half Pay — Brother to Lord Erne — He
opposed constantly last Session, and was generally against
during Lord Townshend's Administration.
Crofton, Sir Marcus. B. OF RATOATH
Made a Baronet in 1758 — wants to have his Son made
an Aid de Camp — a very wavering Man and against
Government when he can't advantage himself by supporting
it — He did not attend last Session.
Croker, John. BOROUGH OF FETHARD
Lord Townshend gave his Son an Ensigncy — He is much
connected with Sir Henry Cavendish — very unsteady in his
Support — never to be depended on.
Cuffe, James. Co. MAYO
Made a Commissioner of Barracks by Lord Townshend
.£400 — attends pretty constantly — Cousin to Lord Arran —
Mr. Connolly & Lord Annaly have great influence with
him — He is not less perplex'd and embarrass'd in his
Circumstances than he is by his Wife and Miss Weiwitzer.
Cunninghame, Robert. B. OF MONAGHAN
Colonel of the 5Oth Regiment — Governor of Kinsale,
£400 — a Quarter Master's Commission to his Friend —
Brother in Law to Lord Clermont — He voted against the
Division of the Boards, and on other critical Questions in
Lord Townshend's Administration voted & spoke against
Government — affects Independance & great Consequence in
Parliament. His Conduct in the Duke of Bedford's Admini-
stration was very severely censured by that Nobleman in his
Correspondence with the then Secretary of State as a most
16 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
ungratefull Man to the Crown — In the last Session he de-
serted & betrayed Lord Harcourt upon the great point, the
reconsideration of the Absentee Tax, altho he had been
particularly & confidentially spoken to not only by Sir
John Blaquiere & Mr. Lees, but even by His Excellency in
person — His Support of Government upon that occasion
was consider'd as certain — He spoke violently against the
Castle — His Expression of Wheeling Cock will not easily be
forgot — His Conduct upon that occasion was so mark'd,
unprovok'd, & violent that He ought to have been instantly
dismissed from his Regiment and Government. Lord
Harcourt has given to his Recommendation the Coast
Officer of Wicklow for Mr. Archer — and the Purchase of a
Company to his Friend Lieutenant Murray out of his Regi-
ment at the Reg[ulated(?)] Price.
Curry, Edward. BOROUGH OF NEWRY
A New Member and in Opposition.
Daly, Dennis. Co. GALWAY
Nephew to Mr. Malone & Lord Ross — Independent and
a very rising young Man in Parliament — has been generally
in Opposition — Mr. Malone affects but has very little Influ-
ence with him — He is much attach'd to Sir John Blaquiere.
Daly, Anthony. BOROUGH OF GALWAY
Acts with Dennis Daly.
Darner, John. BOROUGH OF SWORDS
Formerly Commissioner of Appeals — Nephew to Lord
Milton — Steady in his Support — In the last Session from
the Ommissions and Alterations made on the other side the
Water in the Money Bill it was judged necessary, and
Government acquiesced in having it rejected on its return
hither, at the same time His Excellency not chusing that it
should be thrown out nem. con., Mr. Darner voluntarily gave
his Negative, for which Service he has been removed from
the Appeals to the Board of Accounts — He is a very amiable
worthy Man, greatly respected & lives much with the
Attorney General.
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 17
Dawson, John. QUEEN'S COUNTY
Eldest Son to Lord Dawson who was made a Peer by
Lord Townshend — generally steady — his Father has ask'd a
Civil Employment for his second Son whom he has brought
into Parliament in the room of the late Sir T. Butler.
Deane, Sir Robert. B. OF CARIESFORT
Connected & acts with Lord Shannon — His object is a
Peerage.
Deane, Joseph. Co. DUBLIN
Attach'd to Popularity, and somewhat to Mr. Ponsonby.
Lord Tyrone has some little Influence with him — has been
constantly in Opposition.
Deane, Jocelyn. B. OF BALTIMORE
Col. Tonson's. Attach'd very much to his Brother Sir
Robert, and both follow Lord Shannon.
Dennis, James. B. OF YOUGHALL
Prime Serjeant — an ungracefull but tolerable Speaker in
Parliament — a good Lawyer — has great Property — a Man of
excellent Character — devoted to & beloved by Lord Shannon
—His object is the Seat of Chief Baron of the Exchequer —
Lord Harcourt has given to his Recommendation two Hearth
Money Collections.
Denny, Barry. Co. KERRY
Lord Townshend gave his youngest Brother a Living of
£800 a year — Lord Harcourt gave to his Recommendation
the office of Coast Supervisor of Kerry — He attended very
little last Session — His brother Edward who represented
Trallee shot himself a few Months ago — He has a large
Estate but dreadfully incumber'd, and in private Life of an
exceeding bad Character — It is uncertain whether he will be
returned for the next Parliament
Devonshire, James. B. RATHCORMICK
Connected with Lord Shannon — wont come in again
for this Borough, and probably will not be in the next
C
i8 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
Parliament — Mr. Tonson has purchased the Estate to which
this Borough belongs.
Digby, Simon. B. OF KILDARE
Entirely the Duke of Leinster's.
Dobbs, Conway Richard. CARRICKFERGUS
Connected with Lord Hertford — Son to the late Governor
of North Carolina — seldom Supports,
Dillon, John. B. OF WICKLOW
Lord Townshend at his Request gave a Living of £300
to his Friend Mr. Preston — Independent — generally supports
—Preston is married to a Sister of Jack Hamilton's — Mr.
Dillon is much attach'd to Sir John Blaquiere — Lord
Harcourt has given to his Recommendation — i Super-
numerary Guager — i Quay Porter, and One Land Carriage
Officer.
Dunbar, Geo. B. OF THOMASTOWN
Lord Townshend obtained for him a Pension of ^200. a
year — brought in by Mr. Agar — formerly married to Mr.
Ellis's Sister & Mr. Agar's Mother — a steady little Man
and a dead Voice on all occasions.
Dunbar, Chas. B. OF BLESSINGTON
Lord Townshend gave a Living of £300. to his Friend —
very Independant — seldom attends. Connected with Lord
Hillsborough — Lord Harcourt gave at his Request an
Ensigncy.
Dunluce, Lord. Co. ANTRIM
His Father Governor of the County — Lord Townshend
gave his Tutor, Mr. Winder, the Excise Collection of Corke,
worth £300., and afterwards opposed violently — an idle un-
steady young Man — not to be depended upon. Lord Harcourt
gave to his Recommendation a Supernumerary Guager.
Dawson, Joseph. B, OF PORTARLINGTON
Son to Lord Dawson & Supported Steadily.
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 19
Earbery, Mathias. B. OF LANESBOROUGH
Made Collector of Wicklow by Lord Townshend. Con-
nected with the Provost — purchased his Seat — has supported
Steadily — It is imagined He will not be in the next Parlia-
met — He sollicits, and the Provost is very earnest that he
should obtain, the Contract for the Light Houses to be esta-
blished on the Coast of Wicklow.
Falkiner, Rigs. B. OF CLONIKELTY
Lord Shannon returns him — a Banker in Corke.
Fetherston, Ralph. B. OF ST. JOHNSTOWN
Was made a Surveyor General by Lord Townshend —
reduced upon the re-uniting of the Boards — has a Pension,
in lieu, of £300. — has ask'd to be made a Baronet which my
Lord Lieutenant has promised to recommend — His Excel-
lency gave to his Recommendation a Hearth Money Col-
lection.
Fitzgerald, Maurice. B. DINGLE ICOUCH
Made a Surveyor General by Lord Townshend — re-
duced upon re-uniting the Boards — received a Pension, in
lieu, of ^300. — has two Seats in Parliament — weak, entirely
under the Government of his wife — Lord Harcourt has
given to his Recommendation one Tidewaiter.
Fitzgerald, Robert. B. DINGLE ICOUCH
Brought into Parliament by his Cousin Maurice — Judge
ot the Admiralty £400. — Commissioner of Appeals £300. —
Comptroller of Dingle with an additional Salary of £400. —
Lord Townshend gave him a Living of £500. for one Nephew —
£200. to another — Ensigncy to a third — and He recommended
an additional Sallary to him as Commissioner of Appeals of
£300. — Lord Harcourt has given him a Hearth Money Col-
lection for One Friend, accommodated him with a Move for
another — gave him a Seat at the Linen Board — He speaks
very seldom in the House, when he does but very moderately —
his chief Merit is that he attends when he is desired — He
now wants additional Emolument either by additional Salary
C 2
20 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
to the Offices he now holds or by new Creation, whether by
Place or Pension it mattereth not — Lord Harcourt has given
to his Recommendation 3 Tidewaiters — 2 Guagers and One
Hearth Money Collection.
Fitzgerald, Gerald. B. OF HARRISTON
Entirely devoted to the Duke of Leinster. Dead.
Fitzgerald, Richard. B. OF BOYLE
Has a Pension of £200. — wants to be of the Privy Council-
was formerly a Gentleman Usher and married a Rich Widow
whose daughter is now married to Lord Kington's Eldest
Son — Lord Townshend promised and actually obtained the
King's Letter, which is now in my Custody for appointing
him of the Council, but his Character was found so ex-
ceptionable, and he himself so very proud & impracticable,
his Lordship withheld it — These last two Sessions he
opposed.
Fitzgibbon, John. B. OF JAMESTOWN
A Lawyer of great Eminence — generally in Opposition
and yet will ask great Favours at the most critical Time —
Connected with Lord Tyrone on particular Occasions, and
for himself thro' the Session at large — One Daughter married
to Lord Tyrone's Brother the Clergyman, the other to Mr.
Jeffereyes. — It is believed he will not be in the next Parlia-
ment.
Forde, Mathew. B. OF DOWNPATRICK
Independant Country Gentleman of the North — uncon-
nected and always in Opposition.
Flood, Henry. B. OF CALLEN
Formerly the Engineer & Mouthpiece of Opposition —
Impracticable in his Conduct in Parliament where he does
not entirely lead — in private Life held in Abhorrence &
Detestation by All Men of Integrity & Truth— When Lord
Harcourt arrived he affected Candour & promised Support —
Upon some important Questions during the last Session he
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 21
supported, upon others equally material to Government he
kept away — In consequence of this Conduct an Expectation
of some very considerable Employment was held out to him.
It amounted to what he consider'd a Promise of the first
that became vacant — Upon the death of the late Provost the
Office of Alnager worth £900. and an Additional Sallary to
it of ;£i,ooo. was offered — which He refused, declaring that
Government had broken faith with him by the disposal of the
Provost, and resorted to his original Request, the Office of
One of the Vice Treasurers or nothing — Sir John Blaquiere
has been solliciting this Employment for him these twelve
Months past — Lord Harcourt early in the last Session offer'd
him a Cornetcy for a Friend which he declined — He gave to
his Recommendation One Hearth Money Collection — The
Distributor of Stamps for the County of Kilkenny — Super-
visor of Hearth Money £60.
Flood, John, junr. B. OF CALLEN
Cousin to Henry and Acts entirely with him.
Flood, Warden. B. OF LONGFORD
A Follower of Mr. Henry Flood's, and with as much
Violence but less Parts — his object is to be Counsellor to
the Commissioners of the Revenue.
Fortescue, James. Co. LOWTH
Trustee of the Linen Board — Privy Counsellor — wants
to be in remainder to his Brother Lord Clermont's Peerage—
a miserable Speaker — does not want Understanding — Inde-
pendant, the greatest Jobber in Ireland — during the last
Session He opposed upon some very critical Questions, for
which he ought to have been dismiss'd the Council — Lord
Harcourt has given to his Recommendation — 2 Boatmen —
I Tidewaiter — i Supernumerary Guager — 2 Coast Officers.
Fortescue, Thomas. B. OF TRIM
Cousin to Lord Clermont — Nephew to Lord Mornington
by whom he is brought into Parliament — Opposed Lord
Townshend — he supported Lord Harcourt.
22 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
Foster, John. Co. LOWTH
Eldest Son to the Chief Barron — a very rising young
Man in the Law and in Parliament — Is very often with
Government, but being Member for a County, sometimes
tho' very seldom quits it on popular Questions — Lord
Townshend gave a Living of £400. to his Brother — made
his Relation Mr. Sibthorpe Judge of Kilmainham, and gave
a Living of £200. to his Friend, Dr. Norris.
Fownes, Sir William. B. OF KNOCKTOPHER
Searcher of Corke ;£i,ooo. a year for Life- — of large
Property and independant but connected with and entirely
devoted to Mr. Ponsonby — during the last Session He did
not attend Parliament.
Freake, Sir John. B. OF BALTIMORE
Made a Baronet by Lord Townshend and ask'd two
other Favours — seldom attended — Brother in Law to Lord
Arran — When he did attend last Session He opposed — a
very silly uncertain Character and never to be depended on.
French, Robert. B. OF GALWAY
Made a Trustee of the Linen Board by Lord Townshend
—an able & much respected Member of Parliament —
Independant — Moderate, and deserves particular Notice.
French, John. Co. OF ROSCOMMON
Lord Townshend gave a Deanery to his Uncle and an
Ensigncy to his Nephew — Connected with Lord Annaly and
Lord Kingston — was not very steady to Lord Townshend —
To Lord Harcourt he has been very zealous — His Excellency
has given to his Recommendation i Tidewaiter — One Super-
numerary Guager, & 3 Hearth Money Collections.
Gardiner, Luke. Co. DUBLIN
A Gentleman of large Property — profess'd great Attach-
ment to Government, but voted against the Castle upon
every material Question last Session — His objects are the
Peerage of Lovejoy [sic] & a Seat in the Council — Lord
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 23
Harcourt has given to his Recommendation a Lieutenancy
to his Brother Robert without Purchase.
Gamble, William. B. BALLYSHANNON
Cousin to the late Provost — Lord Townshend made him
a Commissioner of the Barrack Board £400. — And obtained
the Agency to the Archbishop of Dublin for his Son — Lord
Harcourt has given to his recommendation i Supernumerary
Guager — I Hearth Money Collection — Clerk in the Custom-
house £60., and his youngest Son is Collector of Killybegs
worth £200.
Gisborne, James. B. OF LISMORE
A Regiment of Foot — Governor of Charlemont worth
£800. — and a Major General on the Staff— An able Speaker
on Parade days, but very infirm & seldom attends.
Gore, Richard. B. OF DONEGALL
Made a Commissioner of the Revenue by Lord Towns-
hend and for his very equivocal Conduct was turned out —
Brother to Lord Sudley — Opposed the Division of the
Boards — a contemptible weak man — He seldom attended
last Session — when he did attend He opposed.
Gore, William. Co. OF LEITRIM
Lord Townshend gave a Place of £100. to his Friend —
Like the other Gores who are in Parliament, very uncertain
—Lord Harcourt soon after his arrival gave a Hearth Money
Collection to his Recommendation — He opposed during the
last Session.
Gore, Henry. Co. LONGFORD
Examinator of the Customs worth £goo. a year — Brother
to Lord Annaly — 111 health — peevish, and uncertain in his
Support — during the last Session He did not attend. Lord
Harcourt has given to his Recommendation 2 Supernumerary
Guagers.
Gorges, Richard. B. OF ENNISKILLEN
Son to Ham. Gorge[s] and Cousin to Lord Tyrone — a very
good Speaker when prepared — Apt to be out of Humour —
24 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
lately married to a Miss Meredyth, whose Name he has now
taken, with a considerable Fortune.
Graydon, Robert. B. OF HARRISTOWN
Devoted to the Duke of Leinster — makes long Speeches
—very ill heard.
Grogan, Cornelius. B. OF ENNISCORTHY
Always against — Lord Ely and Mr. Vesey Colclough are
supposed to have some Influence with him.
Hall, Roger. Co. DOVVNE
Father in Law to Mr. Brownlowe — Cousin to the Duke
of Leinster & to Lord Hillsborough — moderate Property—
has always been in Opposition.
Hamilton, George. B. OF BELFAST
,£200. a year for his Light House at Bellbriggan [sic] —
brought into Parliament by Lord Donegal — turned over by his
Lordship to Mr. Ponsonby's Party, with whom he drew
during Lord Townshend's Administration — Made his Peace
with Lord Harcourt, whom he has supported very steadily
& zealously — His Excellency made him 3rd Serjeant, and
has given him an Expectation of a Seat on the Bench — A
Sensible Man — a good Lawyer, and of good Character, but a
very tedious disagreeable Speaker and ill heard in the
House — He is a King's Council.
Hamilton, Henry. BOROUGH OF KILLYBEGS
Recommended by Lord Townshend for a Baronetcy —
ask'd it after all was over — This Rank has been obtained
for him by Lord Harcourt — He has supported both Admini-
strations very steadily and may be thoroughly depended on
for what he says — Lord Harcourt has given to his Recom-
mendation a Hearth Money Collection to his Agent.
Hamilton, John. B. OF STRABANE
Returned by Lord Abercorn, but will not come in again—
has been always against.
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 25
Hamilton, Claudius. B. OF STRABANE
Always against — Spoke once in a drunken dream — Lord
Harcourt gave a Supernumerary Guager to his Friend.
Handcock, William. B. OF ATHLONE
Collector of Trim £300. — Connected with Mr. Ponsonby
but supports Government to save himself — Lord Harcourt
gave a Supernumerary Guager to his Recommendation.
Hatch, John. B. OF SWORDS
Had leave by Lord Townshend at the Request of the
late Provost & Mr. Ponsonby to sell his Employment of
Secretary to the Revenue — Lord Palmerston is his particular
Friend — Connected with Mr. Ponsonby — Mr. Mason & Mr.
Darner have considerable Influence with him, but not so far
as to make him either gratefull to the Crown or to support
its measures.
Hellen, Robert. B. OF BANNAU [BANNOW]
His Wife has a Pension of £100. — Council to the Excise
worth ;£i,ooo. — brought in by Lord Ely and entirely attach'd
to him — a sensible man, and when prepared on State Days,
speaks well — Lord Harcourt gave his Friend Mr. Daniel a
Clerk's place in the Stamp Office £60. a year.
Henry, Joseph. B. OF KILDARE
Entirely the Duke of Leinster's.
Hill, Hugh. LONDONDERRY
Collector of Derry £500 a year — related to Lord Tyrone
— supports from Situation — Lord Harcourt has given to his
Recommendation Three Boatmen — Two Tidewaiters — an-
other Tidewaiter — and a Quay Tidewaiter — a Hearth Money
Collection and a Coast Officer.
Hoare, Edward. B. OF CARLOW
A Lawyer, Son to Joseph Hoare of Askeyton — brought
in by Mr. William Burton, Mr. Ponsonby's Nephew, with
whom He is entirely connected — Lord Townshend gave his
Son Leave to purchase a Troop.
26 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
Hoare, Joseph. B. OF ASKEYTON
Father of Edward — Weigh-master of Corke, given by the
Commissioners of the Revenue under an Act of Parliament,
for Life worth £800 a year.
Hyde, John. Co. CORKE
Married to a Niece of Mr. Ponsonby's — attached to &
goes with Lord Shannon.
Holmes, Peter. B. OF BANAGHER
Connected by Marriage with Sir Henry Cavendish and
Mr. Prittee — of good Fortune — has half the Borough of
Banagher — Supported Government well — a very sensible
Man — fit for office and one of the first Lord Townshend
would have provided for — He has been equally zealous in
support of Lord Harcourt — His Excellency made him
Comptroller of the Stamp Office, and has given to his
Recommendation Clerk in the Stamp Office — a Distributor
of Stamps to his Friend Mr. L'Estrange, and His Excellency
and Sir John Blaquiere made that Gentleman a Present of
One hundred Guineas each — His Excellency gave him Two
hundred Guineas.
Hutchinson, John Heley. CITY OF CORKE
Prime Serjeant £1,200. — Privy Counsellor — Alnager^QOO.
—additional Salary £1,000. — Reversion Secretary of State
£1,800. — Reversion to his Son of 2nd Remembrancer £800.—
His Brother in Law Comptroller of the Board of Works £300.
— Another Brother in Law, Duquery [Duqueruy], a Pension
of £200. and Surveyor on the Quay of Dublin £500. by Lord
Townshend — also Two Ensigncies and many small Favours
in the Revenue for his Friends at Corke — a Deanery to his
Sons' Tutor, Mr. Bond, and a Recommendation of him to the
Bishop of Ferns for a Living of not less than £300 — His
Wife recommended by Lord Townshend for a Peerage — He
opposed Lord Townshend— afterwards made his Bargain
and supported ably and zealously, holding however Sir
George Macartney in Fetters, and at Times taking advan-
tage of the necessity of the moment to carry his Point —
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 27
During the last Session he behaved handsomely and
Steadily, Sir John Blaquiere taking the principal Lead him-
self and holding a very tight Rein over this Gentleman — On
the late Provost's Death, He was appointed Provost —
Resigned the Prime Searjentcy and the Alnage, but in lieu
of the additional Sallary of ^1,000. tack'd to that office, He
obtained the office of Customer of Strangford with an addi-
tional Sallary of £1,000. to him and three of his Sons — Lord
Harcourt has also given One of them a Cornetcy — To his
Friend Dr. Foresyth the Living of Kilcock worth £300. — At
his Request Allowed the Clerk of the Permits at Corke to
resign his Employment to a Friend worth £150. — and has
given a number of small Employments in the Revenue to
his Recommendation — He is still dissatisfied and ever will
untill He engrosses the Station of Primate, Chancellor, Lord
Chief Justice of the King's Bench, Provost etc. etc. etc. in
his own Person — He has named to Three Guagers — Three
Tidewaiters — a Hearth Money Collection — Clerk of the Iron
Yard, Corke — his Clerk is Hearth Money Collector — his
Butler a walking officer — Mr. Waller his Brother in Law
Solicitor of the Stamp Office £200. — He named the Dis-
tributor of Stamps, Co. Tipperary, and on his Recommenda-
tion & request His Excellency translated the Bishop of
Elphin to the Archbishoprick of Tuam £4, 200. a year.
Howard, Hugh. BOROUGH OF JOHNSTOWN
Brother to the Member for the County of Wicklow and
acts with him.
Howard, Ralph. Co. WICKLOW
Privy Counsellor — Recommended by Lord Townshend
for a Peerage — Steady to Government — has a large Property
— He and his Brother Support very handsomely.
Hull, William, now Tonson. B. OF TUAM
Lieutenant Governor of Corke — an unsteady turbulent
character — not to be secured by any office, his Father having
lately died & left him £ 12,000 a year — Opposes Lord
Shannon in the County of Corke & everywhere else — much
connected with Mr. Jeffereyes — He has lately purchased the
28 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
Rathcormick Estate & Borough, and it is imagined will
throw out Mr. Devonshire and return both Members—
During the last Session he seldom attended.
Hussey, Walter. BOROUGH OF ATHY
A Lawyer in great Estimation — a very able ingenius [sic]
Speaker in Parliament — amiable in private Life and univer-
sally beloved — He is returned by, and has hitherto con-
ducted the Duke of Leinster's Squadron — He is now shaking
off those Fetters and is a Candidate for the College.
Jackson, Richard. B. OF COLERAINE
Clerk of the Paper Office worth ^300 — an additional
Sallary obtained by Lord Townshend of £300 more — He
was Ulster Secretary to his Lordship, Lord Bristol and Lord
Hertford — desired to quit that office on Lord Harcourt's
appointment, proposing at the same time to be of the Privy
Council — a sensible man and of very strict Integrity — never
speaks in the House — Lord Harcourt has given to his
Recommendation One Hearth Money Collection.
Jones, Theo. BOROUGH OF COLERAINE
Privy Council — Collector of Dublin £900 — married a
Sister of Lady Clermont's — is Candidate for the County of
Leitrim — a Steady Friend & a very amiable man — He wants
an additional Sallary to his office — Lord Harcourt has given
to his Recommendation Three Boatmen — I Tidewaiter — 2
Supernumerary Guagers — I Hearth Money Collection — per-
mitted his Son a very young Ensign to purchase a Lieu-
tenancy in the 63rd Regiment.
Jeffereyes, St. John. BOROUGH OF MIDDLETON
Was Lieutenant Governor of Corke, on resigning which
made by Lord Townshend a Commissioner of Accounts — a
Trustee of the Linen Board — a fluctuating little Gentleman,
held steady & in awe only by his appointments — married
to a Daughter of Counsellor Fitzgibbon's — much connected
with Mr. Tonson — Lord Harcourt has given to his Recom-
mendation a Hearth Money Collection.
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 29
Jephson, Denham, senr.
Jephson, Denham, junr.r]
They go entirely with Lord Shannon — This Borough
belongs to them — William Son to the Senr. was formerly in
Parliament but obtaining a Pension of £i$o did not come
in at the last General Election — Lord Harcourt has obtained
a Pension of £600. for the Father.
Johnston, Arthur. BOROUGH OF KILLYLEAGH
Devoted to Mr. Ponsonby's Fortunes.
Jones, Richard. B. OF LIMAVADY
Returned by Lord Conyngham — acts with Colonel
Burton.
Irwine, William. B. OF RATOATH
Married to Mr. Lowther's Daughter — has been always
against.
Jephson, Robert. BOROUGH OF JOHNSTOWN
Brought into Parliament by Lord Harcourt — a Pension
of £300. to his wife — on Captain's half Pay and Master of
the Horse to His Excellency — Author of ' Braganza ' — Can
speak well when prepared. But unfortunately, hitherto,
altho' not designedly his Talents have been exerted to Points
where either Government wish'd to take no part, or where
an Injury was received from his Ability or rather Ingenuity.
Kearney, James. BOROUGH OF KINGSALE
Returned chiefly thro' the Interest of Mr. Southwell of
Kings Weston — his Father has a large Fortune — connected
with and follows Lord Shannon.
King, Henry. B. OF BOYLE
Privy Counsellor — Brother to Lord Kingston and much
influenced by him — He supported Lord Townshend with
less zeal than inclination, for he wishes well to Government.
In the last Session his Brother being in good humour with
the Castle, he was very steady — Lord Harcourt has given an
Ensigncy to his Recommendation and appointed him of the
Linen Board.
30 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
Kirwan, Edward. B. OF CASTLEBAR
A very strange man — purchased his Seat — Lord Alta-
mont and Sir Charles Bingham are somewhat connected
with him — He has a Brother in the 5th Dragoons — has been
in constant Opposition.
Knox, John. B. OF CASTLEBAR
Married to Lord Kingston's Sister — Independent and of
great Fortune — always in Opposition — Dead.
Knox, John. B. OF DUNGANNON
Obliged to support from his Employment of Collector of
Dublin Excise worth £700., without it not to be trusted — He
wants to Sell, or to have a place of less Responsibility &
trouble — will not be brought in by his Brother at the General
Election. Lord Harcourt has given to his Recommenda-
tion I Tidewaiter — One Supernumerary Guager — i Coast
Officer.
Knox, Thomas. B. OF DUNGANNON
Brother to the Collector — a Gentleman of great Property
— much connected with Mr. Brownlowe and acts in the
House with him, which he did uniformly during the last
Session — Lord Harcourt has given to his Recommendation
a Supernumerary Guager & appointed Mr. Tisdall, Surveyor
[of] Ringsend, Land Waiter on the Quay of Dublin, £300. a
year.
Lambert, Gustavus. B. OF KILBEGAN
Had leave prior to Lord Townshend's Administration to
sell his Collection of Trim — his Lordship obtained a Pension
of ^500. to his Brother the General — a steady honorable
man.
Lambert, Charles. B. OF KILBEGAN
Son to Gustavus — succeeded Sir Ed. New[en]ham as
Collector of the County of Dublin Excise worth £700.—
always with Government — married a Daughter of Mr.
Dutton's of Sherborne.
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 31
Latouche, David, junr. BOR. OF LONGFORD
Trustee of the Linen Board — One of the most consider-
able Bankers in Dublin — unconnected — frequently with
Government.
Le Hunte, Richard. WEXFORD
Constantly acts with Mr. Ponsonby.
Langriche (sic\ Hercules. B. OF KNOCKTOPHER
Lord Townshend left him Commissioner & Supervisor of
the Barrack Board £600. — From Situation with Government,
attach'd to and in his Heart with Mr. Ponsonby, but will act
up to his Professions — a sensible man & an able Speaker —
Lord Harcourt has promoted him to the Revenue Board —
during the last Session He declaim'd against Lord Towns-
hend— Sir John Blaquiere made him eat his words in a set
Speech and he behaved very well afterwards.
Leigh, Francis. DROGHEDA
The Attorney General — Chief Baron and Blayney Balfour
are his particular Friends — supports handsomely — Lord
Townshend gave a Living of ^500. to his Relation, and Lord
Harcourt has given One Boatman.
Leigh, Robert. N[EW] Ross
Much connected with Lord Miltown & Lord Meath's
Families — very much with Lord Ely — moderate in Opposi-
tion— a candid fair man.
Leslie, Charles Powell. B. OF HILLSBOROUGH
Lord Hillsborough's Cousin — an uncommonly steady
Friend to Government — has ask'd nothing — attends con-
stantly.
Levinge, Sir Richard. B. OF DULEEK
Purchased his Seat — Brother in Law to Colonel Marlay,
who with the Dean have considerable Influence with him—
He has been always against Government.
32 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
Lowther, Gorges. Co. MEATH
Lowther, George. B. OF ATHERDEE
Father and Son — have been always against Government —
have profess'd Attachment to Lord Harcourt — much con-
nected with Mr. Robert Rochfort — His Excellency gave a
Tidewaiter to his Recommendation.
Loftus, Henry. B. OF CLOMINES
Lord Ely's — a Commissioner of Accounts ^500. — Lord
Townshend gave a Cornetcy to One Son — The Eldest an
Aid de Camp to Lord Harcourt — The Father a sensible
steady manly Character.
Loftus, Arthur. B. OF FETHARD
Brother to Henry — a good attender altho' very Infirm, a
very worthy man — wants an Employment of £400.
Longfield, Richard. B. OF CLONIKELTY
Trustee of the Linen Board by Lord Townshend — brought
into Parliament by Lord Shannon — entirely his Follower — a
sensible man — Independant Fortune — speaks when prepared
tolerably well but with a bad Address — Lord Harcourt has
given to his Recommendation One Supernumerary Guager —
Supervisor of Hearth Money — Clerkship in the Stamp Office
to Mr. Reeves £100. a. year.
Lloyd, John. KING'S COUNTY
A Lawyer — Lord Drogheda has some little connection
with him — very Independant — generally against Lord Towns-
hend— constantly Opposed Lord Harcourt.
Lucas, Edward. Co. MONAGHAN
Lord Dartrey and Lord Blayney have some Influence
with him, but not to be depended on— always against.
Lysaght, James. B. CHARLEVILLE
Brought in and entirely devoted to Lord Shannon — Son
to Lord Lisle.
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 33
Lysaght, Joseph. B. OF TALLAGH
Collector of Corke 5OO/. — Son to Lord Lisle — attach'd to
Lord Shannon — supports to save himself.
Lysaght, Nicholas. B. OF TALLAGH
Third Son to Lord Lisle — These three Brothers are
related to Lord Shannon & brought in by him.
Macartney, Sir George. B. OF ARMAGH
Brought in by the Primate — was principal Secretary to
Lord Townshend — He gave him two Commissions in the
Army for Mr. Benson — £So. a year to an old Servant —
made Sir George a Trustee of the Linen Board — Privy
Council — a Living of £600. a year to his Friend Dean Marlay,
and many Places in the Revenue to his Friends — He obtain'd
for him as a Reward for his Services a Pension of ;£ 1,500.
which has since been changed to a Sallary & annex'd to
the Office of Constable of Tuam — Lord Harcourt has given
him several small Revenue Employments and, Sir George
says, a Promise to obtain for him a Peerage, which Lord
Townshend recommended but could not effect — He will not
be in the next Parliament, and never will attend during this.
McCaussland John. j DONEGALL
Montgomery, Alexander.)
Lord Townshend attempted, and Lord Harcourt obtained
for them in Council a Port of Discharge at Letterkenny—
They came into Parliament upon Popular Ground in the
County — They stand by & court it — Their Support even
after all that has been done is very doubtfull — during the
last Session they were pretty steady — Mr. Mc.Caussland has
been made Collector of the New Port with a Sallary of £100
a year, and Mr. Montgomery has got to his Recommendation
Two Boatmen — i Tidewaiter — Surveyor of the Lough-
swilley Barge — a Hearth Money Collection.
Mahon, Thomas. Co. ROSCOMMON
Lord Townshend made him a Trustee of the Linen
Board and gave a Living of £200. a year to his Son — related
D
34 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
to Lord Crosbie — He has been very steady in his Support
and to be depended on — Lord Harcourt ofTer'd his Son the
Deanery of Connor worth ^400., and allowed him to commute
it with Dr. Dobbs for a Living of that value near to Mr.
Mahon's — He has also given to his Recommendation I
Supernumerary Guager and the Distributor of Stamps for
Roscommon.
Malone, Richard. B. OF GRANARD
A very decent young man — at the Bar — goes and acts
with his Uncle Anthony.
Malone, Anthony. Co. WESTMEATH
Privy Council — Commissioner of Appeals worth £300. a
year to his nephew — Livings to his Friends — Three Commis-
sions in the Army, and many small Revenue Employments by
Lord Townshend — He is generally with Government and has
great weight in the House of Commons — During the last
Session, particularly upon the very critical Question whether
the second Tontine was a Bill of Regulation or Supply,
wherein Lord Harcourt's Administration & the Existence of
this Parliament were involved, and both must have been
undone had not Sir John Blaquiere's wonderfull address &
ability saved them, he would not support the Opinion
which he gave at the meeting held that very day at the
Castle, namely that it was a Bill of Regulation only — His
Nephew, the mouth Piece of his Uncle on that occasion in
a set Speech maintain'd the contrary — Mr. Malone is now
very old & his memory and Judgment are much on the
Decline — Lord Harcourt has given to his Recommendation
One Place in the Revenue of £200. — a Lieutenancy to his
Nephew, and a Supernumerary Guager to his voter.
Mason, John. B. OF BLESINGTON (sic)
A Commissioner of the Revenue and a Seat in Parlia-
ment by Lord Townshend — a Seat at the Barrack Board to
Mr. Mitchell, and provided for his Brother in Law Mr. Monck
who is since dead — He gave him an Employment of £200.
a year for his Friend Mr. Heley, and a Number of Things in the
Revenue for his Friends — He is a very sensible honorable
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 35
man — clear in Business and upon all Occasions takes a very
manly and decided part in the House of Commons altho'
very ill heard — Lord Harcourt intends bringing him into
Parliament — His Excellency has given to his Recommenda-
tion One Supervisor of Hearth Money — 3 Tidewaiters —
3 Supernumerary Guagers — i Hearth Money Collection—
I Coast Officer.
Massey, Hugh. COUNTY OF LIMERICK
Recommended for a Peerage by Lord Townshend — his
Brother has a Regiment and his Son is Collector of Mary-
borough— a very steady Attender — has a large independant
Property — Lord Harcourt has not given him any Encourage-
ment to expect his Peerage — He has given to his Recom-
mendation a Supernumerary Guager — a Hearth Money
Collection.
Mathews, Francis. Co. OF TIPPERARY
He has been constantly in Opposition, has a large
Fortune but very much encumbered.
Morres, Lodge. B. OF INNISTEOGE
Devoted to Mr. Ponsonby.
Mathews, Joseph. BOROUGH OF INNISTEOGE
Returned by Sir William Fownes — Collector of Kilkenny
worth ^200. a year — must support from Situation — a shuffling
Gentleman — affects ill health upon critical Questions.
Maude, Sir Thomas. Co. OF TIPPERARY
Privy Council & recommended by Lord Townshend for
a Peerage — He supports pretty steadily, but upon two
occasions last Session opposed and affected Independance—
but seeing his Seat in the Council & Peerage in danger He
returned to Government — Lord Harcourt gave to his
Recommendation £200. in the Revenue to his Friend — a
Supernumerary Tidewaiter, & a Hearth Money Collection.
Maunsell, Thomas, senr. B. OF KILMALOCK
King's Council — Lord Harcourt made him Council to the
Revenue worth £Soo. a year — His Object is to be a Judge, and
D 2
36 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
if possible, before the new Parliament— an honest but a very
dull man — Attends & Supports constantly.
Maunsell, Thomas, junr. B. OF THOMASTOWN
Son to, and brings Thomas senior into Parliament — his
only object is to see his Father on the Bench — purchased
both Seats with that view — They are worthy honorable
men — have great merit from their uniform & steady Support
and deserve the particular attention of Government — Lord
Harcourt has given to his Recommendation a Supernumerary
Guager.
May, Sir James. Co. WATERFORD
A Baronet in 1763 — Collector of Waterford £400. —
attach'd to Mr. Ponsonby — supports Government from Situa-
tion— Lord Harcourt, altho' a young Ensign allowed his Son
to purchase a Lieutenancy.
Mayne, Sir William. B. OF CARYSFORT
Affected great Attachment to the late Duke of Leinster
—Lord Townshend had him removed from the Council — A
great Patriot, to effect a Jobb in a Lease of Lands from the
City of Dublin in which He succeeded — a violent but bad
Speaker, and perpetually calling for Accounts and Estimates
without knowing their use.
Meade, William. DROGHEDA
The Attorney General and the Chief Baron have some
Influence with him — generally against Government.
Mervyn, R. Rochfort. PHILIPSTOWN
Lord Townshend obtained for him a Lieutenant Colonelcy
without Purchase — wanted to purchase a Lieutenant Colonelcy
of Horse over Major Pope — He is Lord Belvidere's second
Brother and will certainly act with him.
Mitchell, Hugh Henry. B. OF INNISKILLEN
was appointed by Lord Townshend Treasurer of the
Barrack Board, which He afterwards permitted him to ex-
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 37
change with Mr. Adderly the Commissioner — Brother in Law
to Mr. Mason.
Molineux, Sir Capel. UNIVERSITY OF DUBLIN
His support has been always very doubtfull — wants to be
of the Privy Council — An Independant respectable man.
Montgomery, Geo. B. OF CAVAN
Barrack Master's place £150. for his Friend — Son in Law
to Mr. Clements — On some few Questions during Lord
Townshend's Administration He voted with Government —
In Lord Harcourt's He has been constantly against, and hates
all Government.
Montgomery, William. B. OF HILLSBOROUGH
was a Commissioner of Excise — upon reuniting the
Boards placed upon a Pension of £600. — Lord Townshend
gave him an Employment of £200. a year for his Brother —
£120. for his Son and many places in the Revenue to his
Friends — Brought in by & dependent on Lord Hillsborough —
He absented himself almost during the whole of last Session
for which he ought to have lost his Pension — affects conse-
quence from Independance — a mean man — Lord Harcourt has
given to his Recommendation a Hearth Money Collection.
Montgomery, Alexander. Co. MONAGHAN
Always against — Lord Dartrey & Lord Blayney have
some Influence with him.
Moore, Thomas. B. OF KELLES
Connected with Lord Bective — married his Sister and
brought into Parliament by his Lordship — Mr. Rowley has
also some Influence with him — generally against — It is
expected, from an application made by Lord Bective for a
Living, that his friends will at least be moderate in their
opposition next Session.
Moore, John. B. OF BALLYNAKILL
Cousin to Lord Drogheda — constantly Supports — Lord
Harcourt gave his Son an Ensigncy.
38 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
Montgomery, Sir William. B. OF BALLYNAKILL
Purchased his Seat of Lord Drogheda — Auditor of the
Imprests which, with an additional Sallary obtained by Lord
Townshend of £378., may be computed at £1,000. a year —
gave his Son a Cornetcy without pay — In lieu of the Office
of Barrackmaster of Kinsale, he gave him the Dublin Permit
Office worth £300., a sinecure held in the name of One of
his Clerks — and in addition to all, Lord Townshend married
his youngest Daughter Anne — a Steady Friend and an
amiable respectable man — Lord Harcourt has given to his
Recommendation a Stamper — a Land Carriage Officer.
Moore, Colville. B. OF CLONMELL
Brother to Lord Mt, Cashell — Insane — formerly Collector
of Corke Excise — superannuated on his Sallary of £100. —
never attends.
Moore, William. B. OF CLOGHER
Brother to Lord Mt. Cashell— attach'd to & follows Mr.
Ponsonby.
Morres, Haydock, now Sir Haydock. KILKENNY
Devoted to & follows Mr. Ponsonby.
Mowtray, James. B. OF AUGHER
Brother in Law to Mr. Knox of Dungannon and entirely
influenced by him & Mr. Brownlowe — He supported last
Session, for which his Brother was made Surveyor of Killy-
begs.
Morres, Red[mond], CITY OF DUBLIN
A violent Patriot — always against.
Nedham, William. B. OF NEWRY
Nephew to Lord Chatham — never attends — To be applied
to thro' Lord Hillsborough & Mrs. Ann Pitt.
Nesbit, Thomas. B. OF CAVAN
Had a Cornetcy and a Company given him — now on Half
Pay — Lord Townshend obtained a Pension of £500. a year
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 39
to his Father — He supports steadily but wants something for
himself — Lord Harcourt has given a Supernumerary Guager
to his Recommendation.
Neville, Richard Jones. B. OF WEXFORD
Made his Father a Commissioner of the Revenue by Lord
Townshend — He is sometimes with, but uncertain and very
Independant.
Newenham, Sir Edward. B. OF ENNISCORTHY
Formerly Collector of Dublin County Excise — dismissed
by Lord Townshend — In violent Opposition — a miserable
Speaker and a contemptible silly Fellow — He is now a Can-
didate for the County of Dublin.
O'Brien, Sir Lucius. Co. OF CLARE
In Opposition always, but would very willingly make his
Peace with the Castle— He has lately ask'd the Collection of
Galway for his Brother, and it is very probable that one if
not both will support next Session.
O'Brien, Edward. B. OF ENNIS
Brother to, & brought in by Sir Lucius — very distress'd
in his Circumstances, and it is apprehended that if his
Brother should not, he will Support next Session in Expecta-
tion that something will be done for him.
O'Callaghan, Corn[elius]. B. OF FETHARD
A Gentleman that requires great caution to talk with —
has been always in Opposition — He ask'd and got from
Lord Harcourt a Living of .£150. — gave at that Time thro'
Mr. Scott some expectation of his Support — He lately
married Mr. Ponsonby's Daughter.
Ogle, George. Co. WEXFORD
Has been constantly in Opposition — a respectable sen-
sible man — not to be detached from his Party.
O'Hara, Charles. B. OF ARMAGH
Ranger of the Curragh £400. and a Pension of £200. for
Thirty One years, both of which he sold — Lord Townshend
40 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
made him a Commissioner of Accounts, and He wanted an
additional Sallary of ^300. — Lord Harcourt has removed
him [from] that Board on a Pension of £500. — a good attender
and a sensible man — seldom Speaks & ill hear'd. Lord
Harcourt has given to his Recommendation a Hearth Money
Collection.
Oliver, Silver. Co. LIMERICK
Privy Counsellor — asked a Bishoprick for his Relation
but kept at a Distance from Parliament — a very independant
Country Gentleman — always uncertain in his Support —
Opposed constantly last winter, for which he ought to have
been dismiss'd the Council — He has ask'd a Peerage of Lord
Harcourt — no Encouragement given by His Excellency.
O'Niel, John. B. OF RANDALSTOWN
Of great Property in the North — amiable & respectable
in publick & private — Upon several occasions last winter
He supported Lord Harcourt — His Excellency has given
to his Recommendation I Tidewaiter — 2 Supernumerary
Guagers & Distributor Stamps, Co. Tyrone — a Coast officer
for Mr. O'Hagar.
O'Niel, St. John. B. OF RANDALSTOWN
Returned by, and follows his Brother.
Ormsby, William. B. OF SLIGO
Collector of Sligo £300. — Pension of £200. to his Friend
Mr. Gough in lieu of ;£ 1,500. which his Friend Mr. Gough
had paid him in part purchase of hij Collection ; But Lord
Townshend not permitting the Sale of Civil Employments,
and Ormsby having spent the money, his Lordship obtain'd
the Pension for Gough — notwithstanding this substantial
Favour, Mr. Ormsby talks of neglect and desires a better
Employment — He attends when in Health pretty well —
connected with the Mr. Wynnes — Lord Harcourt has given
to his Recommendation a Supernumerary Guager.
Osborne, Sir William. [B. DUNGARVAN]
Privy Counsellor and first Commissioner of Excise —
Turned out of the latter for refusing to obey Lord Towns-
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 41
bend's order — His Brother a Surveyor General, reduced upon
reuniting the Boards — Sir William is a very able but a most
impracticable man in Business — He was very attentive on
Lord Harcourt's arrival & supported handsomely in the
Council on the Loughswilley Question — From which it was
imagined he would have supported Government in Parlia-
ment— His Excellency offer'd him a Cornetcy for his Son
which Sir William declined — when the Session open'd He
talk'd of Impeachments against Lord Townshend and the
Chancellor on account of the Illegality of the Revenue
Patent — Sir John Blaquiere with great wisdom & address
having discovered Sir William's plan, anticipated its effect by
stating to the House the then defects in the Revenue Bill
and in the Appointment of Officers under the then Patent
by the Commissioners, which the House unanimously agreed
to Remedy by a new Clause in the Revenue Bill when it
came before them — Sir William thus disappointed absented
himself much from the House — Towards the Close of the
Session He again appear'd & denounced Vengeance, which
ended in a motion against the Importation of Juniper Berries,
upon which Subject Sir John Blaquiere shewed so much
better Information [that] Sir William was again defeated and
did not attend the House afterwards.
Pakenham, Robert. Co. LONGFORD
Brother to Lord Longford — was a Lieutenant in the
Army and had been constantly in Opposition — He closed
with & supported Lord Harcourt upon a Promise of a
Company which His Excellency has since procured for him
in the 33rd Regiment — In very bad state of Health, thought
he cannot live — Lord Harcourt has given to his Recom-
mendation one Tidewaiter.
Palmer, Roger. B. OF PORTARLINGTON
Chamberlain of the Exchequer £50. which he purchased —
Paymaster of the Corn Premiums £600. — Lord Townshend
recommended but did not obtain an additional Sallary of
£150. to his office of Chamberlain — a very steady & zealous
42 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
Friend of Government — Lord Harcourt has given to his
Recommendation — I Tidewaiter — 3 Guagers.
Parnell, Sir John. B. OF MARYBOROUGH
A Baronet in 1766 — connected with Lord Drogheda, but
in constant Opposition.
Parsons, Sir William. KING'S COUNTY
Lord Drogheda has some Influence with him, but likewise
in constant Opposition.
Pepper, Thomas. B. OF KELLS
Brought into Parliament by Lord Bective — connected
with Mr. Rowley — has been always against Government.
Pennyfather, Richard)
Pennyfather, William} LAS
Father & Son — formerly in violent Opposition bought
off by a Pension of £210. to his Daughter & her Children
and an additional Pension of £200. to his Sister, Lady St.
Leger, and an Ensigncy to his Nephew — These were their
terms which Lord Townshend fullfilFd — The Son William
now wants Compensation for a Loss sustained by an im-
proper advantage taken of him by Lord Hertford, and
wants an Employment of not less than .£200. a year for
himself.
Pery, Ed. Sexton. CITY OF LIMERICK
Lord Townshend made him Privy Counsellor & Speaker
— gave a Deanery to his Brother of £600. a year and several
small Employments in the Revenue — Lord Harcourt has
been equally attentive to him in the Revenue Employments
for his Friends — When Lord Townshend carried the Chair
for him, the late Provost became Responsible to Government
for his Conduct — To Lord Townshend he was at best but
Lukewarm in his Support — a man of great abilities — a
cursed Jobber — hates English Government, and tries by all
means in his power to ruin the King's Hereditary Revenue
and to raise the consequence of Irishmen by inducing every
possible Difficulty upon the Crown. This Gentleman's Art,
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 43
Subtlety, & Address are more to be guarded against than
the Abilities & Craft of the Attorney General and the whole
House of Commons besides — Of this his conduct afforded
many Instances during the last Session, particularly with
regard to the second Tontine Bill — It had pass;d thro'
every form in the Commons & in England as a Bill of
Regulation only — when it was sent up to the Lords, He said
he should expect it back as a Bill of Supply for which the
Commons were to receive His Majesty's Thanks — It pass'd
thro' the House of Lords as a Bill of Regulation and as
such it was sent to the Commons — The Question was
whether It ought to be received — The Debate lasted Seven
hours — Two thirds of the House seem'd determined to sup-
port the Opinion of the Speaker which he delivered in a
Speech of 3/4 hour with astonishing ability, and just as the
Question was going to be put Sir John Blaquiere got up
contrary to every form of Parliamentary Proceeding after the
Speaker had, with the consent of the House, closed the De-
bate, and in a Speech of about half an hour gave such a
Turn to the whole that upon a Division it was carried
against the Chair by a considerable majority — The Speaker's
Plan evidently was to have effected a Conference between
the two Houses, in which from the mode the Bill had been
conducted in each, It became impossible for them to agree,
and a Dissolution, which probably would have involved
Lord Harcourt's Administration, must have been the certain
consequence, besides the loss of the Tontine Bill ; for without
carrying that then depending, the other would have fallen of
course, and Pery would undoubtedly have been returned for
the Chair — It was a masterpiece of Policy & Design
scarcely perhaps to be equal'd — He has ask'd a Bishoprick
for his Brother — His Excellency has given to his Recom-
mendation Three Tidewaiters — The Distributor of Stamps
for Limerick.
Pole, William. QUEEN'S COUNTY
Brother in Law to Lord Drogheda — Turned out of the
Council by Lord Townshend — has been constantly in Oppo-
sition— connected with Lord Hertford.
44 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
Pom[e]roy, Arthur. Co. KILDARE
Returned by & devoted to the Leinster Family — had he
been unconnected with his Grace, He certainly would have
supported His Excellency — Lord Harcourt offered him a
Seat at the Revenue Board, which the Duke would not allow
him to accept.
Preston, Joseph. B. OF NAVAN
Mr. Ponsonby's Follower — To be spoken to by the Chief
Baron — Lord Granard has some little connection with him —
Nephew to Lord Ludlow— has been always against.
Preston, John. B. OF NAVAN
The same.
Pom[e]roy, John. B. OF TRIM
Returned by Lord Mornington — Colonel of the 64th
Regiment — Lord Townshend obtained for his Friend Captain
Powell a Majority without Purchase and a Company to his
Recommendation — He gave his Lordship but a very feint
(sic) support — To Lord Harcourt's Administration He has
been zealously attach'd — His Excellency has given to his
Nomination an Ensigncy and a Hearth Money Collection —
a Tidewaiter — The Purchase & Preference of a Lieutenancy
for his Nephew.
Ponsonby, William. CITY OF CORKE
Son to John — fell with his Father — late Exfaminator] of
the Customs.
Ponsonby, John. Co. KILKENNY
Privy Council — late Speaker etc. etc. etc.
Price, Francis. B. OF LISBURNE
Nephew to Lord Hertford — Returned by his Lordship-
was formerly Collector of Strangford which he had leave to
Sell — ask'd to be a Commissioner of the Revenue — a very
bad attender.
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 45
Prittee, Henry. B. OF GOWRAN
Related to Sir Henry Cavendish — ask'd several Favours
of Lord Townshend — very uncertain in his Support — last
winter he seldom attended, & I think when he did was
against.
Quin, Wyndham. B. OF KILLMALLOCK
Brother in Law to Lord Dartree — a Gentleman of large
Property — purchased his Seat — wanted to be of the Privy
Council — very uncertain in his Support — has almost con-
stantly Patriotic Qualms.
Ram, Andrew. B. OF DULEEK
Ram, Abel. NEWBORO GOREY
Stephen Ram. THE SAME
These Gentlemen make a merit of never giving a Vote
to the Castle.
Radclifif, Dr. B. OF IRISHTOWN
Related to the late Bishop of Ossory & connected with
the Primate.
Rochfort, Robert. B. OF AUGHER
Brother to Lord Belvidere — Surveyor of the King'sLands,
£500. a year for Life — has been generally with Government
and when attended to, constantly — Now that his Father is
dead and that he is left Independant both from office &
private Fortune, it is probable he will have some Bargain to
make for himself: a man of amiable Character and very much
respected — Lord Harcourt has given to his Recommendation
a Hearth Money Collection.
Rowley, Clotworthy. B. OF DOWN PATRICK
Connected with Mr. Rowley & inclined to be against on
that account, but very poor and supported Lord Townshend
on Expectation, He must Lord Harcourt from Situation, His
Excellency having made him a Commissioner of Appeals
^"300.
46 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
Ross, Robert. BOR. OF CARLINGFORD
Lord Townshend procured Leave for him to Sell his
Lieutenant Colonelcy — during his Administration he was
chiefly against — Connected with Lord Hillsborough — much
attach'd to Mr. Brownlowe, and during the last Session
always followed him — Lord Harcourt has given to his
Recommendation 5 Boatmen — i Tide waiter — i Coxwain (sic)
— Is to provide for his Friend Mr. Moore's Son and to assist
Mr. Houston.
Ruxton, John. B. OF ATHERDEE
One Brother Surgeon General — another Brother Gentle-
man of the Bed Chamber to my Lord Lieutenant — connected
with Mr. Ponsonby and has been always in Opposition.
Roche, Boyle. B. OF TRALEE
Brigade Major of Dublin — wants a Civil Employment.
Rowley, Hercules Langford. Co. OF MEATH
His Wife made a Viscountess — of very great property —
courts popularity and has almost constantly been very
adverse to Government.
St. George, Sir Richard. B. OF ATHLON E
Made a Baronet in 1766 — connected with Lord Arran —
has been always against.
Sandford, Henry. B. OF CARRICK
Register of Forfeitures .£800. for Life — 111 Health and
never Attends — Attach'd to the Duke of Leinster.
Sandford, Robert. B. OF ROSCOMMON
Lieutenant Colonel on Half Pay which, with his Govern-
ment of Gal way, He holds by King's Letter — He wants an
additional Sallary.
Sentleger, Sentleger. B. OF DONERAILE
Follows Lord Shannon— promised the Peerage of
Doneraile. Lord Harcourt gave him a Supernumerary
Guager.
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 47
Shiel, Robert. B. OF DUNDALK
King's Council — Commissioner of Appeals £300. — Re-
turned by Lord Clanbrassill — It is imagined his Lordship
will not bring him into the next Parliament.
Scott, John. B. OF MULLINGAR
Brought into Parliament by Lord Tovvnshend and made
him King's Council & Council to the Commissioners of
Customs — a very able & rising man both in Parliament
and at the Bar — generous & manly in his private and
Publick Conduct— grateful & punctual where He professes —
Lord Harcourt, entertaining upon all Occasions the highest
opinion of his Integrity, Secrecy, Abilities, & Judgment, has
consulted him and treated him with the utmost confidence —
He made him Solicitor General and gave an Employment of
£400. a year to his Brother — also to his Recommendation —
2 Supernumerary Guagers — Stamp Inspector of the Courts to
Mr. O'Brien £70.
Steele, Sir Richard. B. OF MULLINGAR
A Baronet and Trustee of the Linen Board by Lord
Townshend — The very reverse of Mr. Scott — ungratefull and
unfaithfull — wants a Pension of £i$o. for his Son.
Sibthorpe, Robert. B. OF DUNLEER
Judge of Kilmainham — Related to the Chief Baron
Foster — His conduct upon the Park Presentment l is too
recent to require any Description.
Smyth, Charles. CITY OF LIMERICK
Wanted a Grant of the King's Island which Lord Towns-
hend procured for the purpose of a new Barrack — He is
generally in Opposition.
1 Some works of enclosure and improvement having been carried out by the
Government in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, the citizens claimed the Park, either
by prescription or as ancient common, and in August 1774, raised subscriptions
to contest the right of the Crown. The Corporation presented the Bailiffs
(Sir J. Blaquiere's) Lodge as a nuisance, intending if successful to present the other
Lodges. The case was heard in the King's Bench in Feb. 1775. Robinson (p. 87),
one of the judges, 'joined the mob,' and endeavoured to have the presentment
traversed, but was unsuccessful, and the jury gave a verdict in favour of the
Crown (see Harcourt Papers, ix. 261-264).
48 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
Skeffington, William John. B. OF ANTRIM
Lord Townshend obtained for him a Company of Foot
for which he supported constantly — Lord Harcourt refused
him a Troop of Dragoons, and in the last Session He opposed
violently — He is in private Life consider'd as an honorable
amiable young man — Brother to Lord Masserene.
Skeffington, Henry. BELFAST
Brother to Lord Masserene — Returned by Lord Donegal
and has been constantly in Opposition, altho' his Lordship
received many Favours during Lord Townshend's Adminis-
tration— Mr. Skeffington acts with Mr. Ponsonby.
Skeffington, Hugh. ANTRIM
A Troop of Horse & Brevet Rank as Major — Lord
Townshend procured a Pension of ^"200. a year for his Sister
in Law — Uncle to Lord Masserene — a drunken weak man —
never to be depended on.
Somerville, James. B. OF CARLOW
A Wine Merchant — has been always against
Stewart, Robert. Co. DOWNE
Son in Law to Lord Hertford — now married to a
Daughter of Lord Camden's — always against.
Staples, John. B. OF CLOGHER
Commissioner of Customs — Brother in Law to Mr-
Conolly — attach'd to him, but must support from Situation —
He will Shirk when he can— requires attending to — Lord
Harcourt has given to his Recommendation i Boatman — 2
Tidewaiters — i Supernumerary Guager.
Stewart, Sir Annesley. B. OF CHARLEMONT
Lord Townshend gave him a Cornetcy which fell vacant
by the Death of his Relation during its Passage thro' the
office — has always been in Opposition.
Stewart, William. B. OF NEWCASTLE
Lord Lanesborough's, and always acts with him.
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 49
Stewart, James. Co. TYRONE
Captain of Horse — Nephew to Lord Kingston — generally
against.
Stratford, John. B. OF BALTINGLASS
His Father made a Peer in 1762 — Leave to his Brother
to purchase a Company of Foot — another Brother Chaplain
to Lord Harcourt — The Support & Gratitude of this very
honorable Family never to be depended on.
Smith, Thomas. BALLYSHANNON
Returned by Mr. Conolly — has not taken his Seat — Son
to Charles Smith, Member for Limerick.
Swan, Edward Bellingham. B. LANESBOROUGH
Clerk of the Permits which he resigned on being appointed
Surveyor General — A Pension of £250. to his Sisters, for
which he purchased into Parliament — Lord Harcourt made
his Brother John, Steward of his Household, and gave him
an Employment of ^400. a year — Mr. Swan is Comptroller—
at the end of last Session He got an Extra Warrant of
£200. — He was zealous, steady, & able in his Support of Lord
Townshend, and has been equally attach'd to & serviceable
to Lord Harcourt.
Talbot, William. B. OF JOHNSTOWN
Lord Townshend gave his Nephew a Living of ,£300, a
year — Independant, & respectable — frequently opposes — He
has ask'd Lord Harcourt for a Living for another Nephew —
His Conduct during the last Session was very fair & deserves
Consideration.
Tighe, William. ATHBOY
Son in Law to Sir William Fovvnes — attach'd to Mr.
Ponsonby and always against Government.
Tighe, Edward. B. OF WICKLOW
Commissioner of Accounts and the Supervisorship of
Wicklow to his Friend — steady in his Support — sensible, and
may be made very usefull in the House — His Excellency
E
50 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
allowed him to Name the first Clerk in the Stamp Office
;£ioo. a year.
Tighe, Robert. B. OF ROSCOMMON
Patentee Comptroller of Dublin, which he purchased of
Mr. Rigby — Nephew to Mr. Clements, goes with him — claimed
a Promise made him by Lord Townshend which Lord Har-
court has fullfilled by appointing him Clerk of the Deliveries
to the Ordnance worth £200.
Tottenham, Charles. B. OF BANNOW
Collector of Drogheda £400. — Lord Ely's Nephew — In
his Heart with Mr. Ponsonby — wants to be Surveyor Gene-
ral— Lord Harcourt has given to his Recommendation i
Boatman.
Tottenham, Charles. B. OF CLOMINES
Made a Commissioner of the Customs by Lord Towns-
hend — reduced on reuniting the Boards to a Pension of
£600. — Brother in Law to Lord Ely and acts implicitly with
him. Lord Harcourt has given to his Recommendation
Four Boatmen — Two Tidewaiters.
Tottenham, Charles. B. OF NEW Ross
Son to the Commissioner.
Tottenham, John. B. OF FETHARD
Father to the Commissioner — very old — never attends.
Tisdall, Philip. DUBLIN UNIVERSITY
Privy Counsellor — Secretary of State £1800. — Attorney
General ;£ 1500. — Judge of the Prerogative Courts ;£ 1200.—
Lord Townshend made his Cousin Mr. Boyle a Commissioner
of the Revenue ^1000. — a Living of £600. to Mr. Disney — a
Cornetcy to his Nephew — his Brother a Commissioner of the
Barrack Board £400. — several small Livings and many Places
in the Revenue to his Friends — He was out of Humour
latterly with Lord Townshend because he could not obtain
for him a large Pension for 3 1 years — deceived and betrayed
him on many occasions — To be strictly watch'd & cautiously
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 51
confided in — He promised to Support Lord Harcourt and
affected great Candour and disinterestedness — During the
last Session when desired He attended — seldom took any
part in Debate — On the Speaker's motion to have the second
Tontine Bill received as a Bill of Supply, He supported
handsomely & ably in the House the opinion he had given at
the meeting at the Castle, that it was a Bill of Regulation.
Townsend, Mr. Co. CORKE
Commissioner of the Customs — Lord Shannon's Friend —
has very great influence upon Mr. Sentleger — Lord Harcourt
has given to his Recommendation One Boatman — Two
Hearth Money Collectors.
Tunadine, John. B. OF ASKEYTON
Master in Chancery — An Ensigncy for his Nephew by
Lord Townshend, and he allowed his Friend to Sell a
Military Employment by which He secured his Borough —
very steady in his Support — much attach'd to and acts with
the Maunsells.
Trench, William P. Keating. Co. GALWAY
Brother in Law to Mr. Ponsonby — Listed with and fought
under Mr. Ponsonby — has been always in Opposition.
Tyrell, Duke. B. OF PHILLIPSTOWN
Follows strictly Lord Belvidere — wants an Employment —
Lord Harcourt has given to his Recommendation [ends}.
Vandeleur, Crofton. B. OF ENNIS
Several small Favours and gave his Friend Mr. Blakeney
the Place of Surveyor General £$oo. a year — a very Shabby
mean Fellow & never to be depended on.
Vesey, Agond [Agmondisham]. B. OF KINSALE
Accountant General £800. a year — wants to Sell his
Employment, the only hold Government has on him — His
object is to be of the Privy Council or a Commissioner of the
Revenue.
E 2
52 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
Underwood, Richard. B. OF TRALEE
Providore to the Royal Hospital & two small offices to
his Friends by Lord Townshend — Purchased his Seat ;
Harrass'd by General Dilkes — attach'd to Mr. Beresford —
Lord Harcourt procured an additional allowance for main-
taining the old men [? man], and a Sum of Money for the
loss he had sustained — very steady in his Support. He wants
to be of the Linen Board — Lord Harcourt has given to his
Recommendation a Land Carriage Officer.
Waller, Robert. B. OF DUNDALK
Formerly a Surveyor General — afterwards by Lord
Townshend a Commissioner of Excise — Returned by Lord
Clanbrassill — very steady — has great knowledge in the
Revenue — his Brother Clerk of the Minutes to the Excise
Board worth £200. — Lord Harcourt has given to his Recom-
mendation— 2 Guagers— a Hearth Money Collection — a
Coast Officer and a Supervisor of Hearth Money.
Ward, Nicholas. B. BANGOR
Lord Townshend obtained a Peerage for his Father —
more than half an Ideat, requires watching.
Westby, Nicholas. B. OF TULSK
Purchased of Justice Caulfield — has opposed constantly.
Walsh, General. B. MARYBOROUGH
Colonel 56th Regiment — Quarter Master's Commission
for one Friend — a Living of £200. and afterwards a Deanery
of £700. to his Brother by Lord Townshend — very Steady in
his Support — Lord Harcourt has given him an Ensigncy to
his Relation Mr. Jephson.
Westenraw, Henry. MONAGHAN
Brought in by Lord Clermont when his Lordship got his
Peerage — He promised that this Gentleman should always
support Government — He ask'd Lord Townshend for an
Employment, and on being refused went into Opposition —
He has renewed his Request to Lord Harcourt, and last
THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 53
Session he supported — This unfortunate Gentleman is claim'd
as his by Lord Clermont, Mr. Fortescue, & General Cuning-
ham when either of them have any Point to carry — when he
is left by them for a moment, He then Sollicits for himself.
Wilson, James. B. OF TAGHMON
Mr. Ponsonby's Friend & violent in Opposition.
Wood, Attiwell. B. CASTLEMARTYR
A Lawyer — sensible man — bad Speaker — very tedious —
follows Lord Shannon.
Wynne, Owen. Co. SLIGO
Privy Council — Trustee of the Linen Board — Governor
of Corke to his Brother, and for which he promised always
to Support, by Lord Townshend — generally with Govern-
ment but often out of Humour — wants a Sinecure for his
Son — Lord Harcourt has given to his Recommendation the
Office of Surveyor of Sligo and One Tidewaiter — 5 Boat-
men— Mate Sligo Barge — Distributor of Stamps, Sligo.
Wynne, John. B. OF SLIGO
Governor of Corke — Lord Harcourt allowed him to Sell
his Lieutenant Colonelcy of Horse — never without some
Scheme or Grievance.
Yelverton, Barry. B. OF DON EG ALL
A Lawyer of some Eminence — much connected with &
attended to by the Chancellor — Brought in at the End of
last Session by the Earl of Arran.
[BOROUGH OWNERS, LEADERS OF CON
NEXIONS AND FOLLOWERS.]
Duke of Leinster
Sir Fitz. Aylmer.
Sir Kild. Burrowes
William Burg
Simon Digby
Robert Graydon
Roger Hall
Jos. Henry
Walter Hussey
Sir William Mayne
Arthur Pomroy
Thomas Burg
Lord Shannon
Richard Aldworth
James Barry
Sir John Colthurst
James Dennis
Ab. Devonshire
Rigs Falkiner
Den. Jephson
Den. Jephson, jun.
James Kearney
Richard Townsend
Richard Longfield
Jas. Lysaght
Nichs. Lysaght
Sentleger Sentleger
Attiwell Wood
Jos. Lysaght
Sir Robert Deane
Jocelyn Deane
Mr. Ponsonby
John Blackwood
Cornelius Bolton
Wm. Brabzon
Wm. Burton
Jos. Deane
Sir Wm. Fownes
John Hatch
Edward Hoare
Jos. Hoare
Arthur Johnston
Richd. Le Hunte
William Moore
Lodge Morres
Sir Haydock Morres
Sir Wm. Parsons
Wm. B. Ponsonby
Jos. Preston
John Preston
John Ruxton
Wm. P. K. Trench
James Wilson
John Hyde
Lord Ely
Ar. Loftus
Hen. Loftus
John Tottenham
Charles Tottenham
Charles Tottenham
Charles Tottenham
Robert Hellen
Sir Lu. O'Brien
Ed. O'Brien
Lord Drogheda
John Moore
Wm. Poole
PARLIAMENTARY CONNEXIONS
55
Francis Price
Mr. Dobbs
Sir John Parnell
Mr. Clements
Robert Clements
Theo. Clements
T. Nesbit
Robert Tighe
Lord Annaly
John French
Henry Gore
Wm. Gore
Mr. Conolly
Mr. Smyth
Mr. Staples
Lord Crosbie
Sergt. Coppinger
Laun. Crosbie
Thomas Mahon
Lord Lanesboro
Jno. Cog. Cramer
Mr. Stewart
Mr. Malone
Richard Malone
Dennis Daly
Anthony Daly
Lord Dawson
John Dawson
Ephraim Dawson
Roger Palmer
Lord Mornington
Thos. Fortescue
General Pomroy
Lord Arran
Richard Gore
Counsellor Yelverton
Sir John Freke
James Cuffe
Sir Henry Cavendish
John Croker
Peter Holmes
Henry Prittee
James Cavendish
Lord Conyngham
Richard Jones
Col. Burton
Lord Donegall
Henry Skeffington
Lord Kingston
Henry King
Captain Stewart
Richard Fitzgerald
Lord Bective
Thomas Moore
Thomas Pepper
Lord Belvidere
Robt. Rochfort
Col. Rochfort
Duke Tyrell
Lord Clermont
James Fortescue
Mr. Westenraw
General Cuningham
Attorney General
Mr. Fran. Leigh
Provost
Mr. Earbery
STATE OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS,
2ND JULY 1775.
N.B. — Those marked * must from situation support Government.
Those marked f can scarcely be considered under the influence of the
Person to whom they are classed unless to effect some point personal to
themselves, then they become united but not otherwise.
Those marked J may be detached.
Names
For
Against
Doubtful
Absent
Achesonf .....
_
_
_
Adderley .....
—
—
—
Aldworth
Allan f
—
—
—
Alexander .....
—
—
I
—
Archdall
I
Armstrong f .
—
—
I
—
Aylmer
—
I
—
—
Butler Pierce
I
—
—
—
Balfourf
I
—
—
—
Barry Barry .....
—
I
—
—
Barry, Robert .....
I
—
—
—
Barry, James f . ...
I
—
—
—
Beauchamp, Lord ....
—
—
—
I
Beresford .....
I
—
—
—
Binghamf .....
Birch
j
—
I
—
Blackwood .....
I
—
—
2 Blakeneys * .
2
—
—
—
Bligh
I
—
—
—
I
Bolton
I
Burrowes .....
I
—
—
2 Bourkes .....
2
Broderick
I
Brooke
I
—
2 Brownes .....
2
—
—
—
Brownlowe .....
I
2 Burghs .....
—
I
—
I
Burton, Col. .....
I
—
—
Bushe
I
—
—
—
Butler
I
,
Burton, Carlo w ....
—
I
—
—
Bagenal, Beauchamp
—
—
—
I
Burton, Pierp. f
Blaquiere, Sir John ....
Brabzonf .....
I
I
—
I
Campbell, Ld. F
—
—
—
I
Cane
I
r t
— *
Carew, Robert ....
I
—
Carew, Shap. . . . .
—
I
—
—
Carleton .
I
—
.
— —
STATE OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 57
Names
For
Against
Doubtful
Absent
Carey ......
I
I
—
—
2 Cavendish's .....
Caulfield, Francis i .
Caulfield, Wm
Chicester
Chapman .....
Clement, V. P ....
3 Clements
Coddington .....
Coghlan ......
Colclough .....
Colthurst
Conway ......
Cooper ......
Coote
Coppinger
2
I
I
3
I
I
I
—
I
Corry, Armor L.
Curry ......
Cotter
Cramer ......
Creighton .....
Crofton ......
i
I
I
I
—
—
Croker
Cuffe
Cuninghame .....
Daly, D
Daly, A
Damer f .
i
i
I
I
I
—
2 Dawsons .....
3 Deanes
Dennis ......
Denny ......
2
2
I
I
I
I
—
—
Digby
Dillon ......
Dobbs
Dunbar, George f . . . .
Dunbar, Charles ....
Dunluce, Lord ....
Earbury ......
Falkiner
Fetherston .....
I
I
I
I
2
I
I
I
—
Fitzgerald, Richard ....
Fitzgibbon .....
Flood, Henry .....
Flood, John
Flood, Warden . . .
Forde
I
I
I
—
Fortescue, Jas. ....
Fortescue, Th.
Foster ......
I
—
I
—
Fownes ......
j
Freake
French, Robt.
—
I
I
—
—
THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
Names
For
Against
Doubtful
Absent
French, John .....
Gamble f .....
—
. —
—
Gisborne .....
Gore, Richard ....
Gore, William ....
Gore, Henry .....
Gorges, Richard ....
Graydon ......
Grogan ......
Gardiner .....
Hall
I
I
I
I
I
I
—
Hamilton, George ....
Hamilton, Sir H
Hamilton, John ....
Hamilton, Claud. ....
Handcock .....
Hatch
Hellen
i
i
i
I
—
I
—
—
Henry ......
j
Hill
i
Hoares, Ed. & Jos.
i
2
—
—
2 Howards, Hugh & Ralph
Hull, Tonson
2
—
j
—
—
j
Hutchinson
Hyde
T
I
—
—
Jeffereyes .....
3 Jephsons *
Johnston f
Jones, Theo
I
3
i
I
—
Z
Jones, Richard ....
i
I
—
—
Kearney ......
King ......
Kirwan ......
Knox, John f .
Knox, Tho 1
2 Lamberts .....
Langrishe .....
Latouche ...
i
2
I
I
I
j
—
Le Hunte, Richard ....
Leigh, Fras.f .....
1
I
I
— :
Leigh, Robert ....
Leslie ....
j
I
—
—
Levinge . .
I
Loftus, Henry
Loftus, Ar. . . . . . ;
Longfield . • . . . I
Lowthers, Gorges £ Geo.
Lloyd ;
I
I
I
2
j
—
—
Lucas . . . . . .
I
Lysaghts, Jas., Jos., Nich.
Macartney ...
3
—
I
McCaussland ...
i
Montgomery, Al. . . . . '
i
—
—
—
STATE OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS 59
Names
For
Against
Doubtful
Absent
Morres, Red
I
—
—
i
__
Malones, Anthony & Richard .
2
—
—
—
Mason ......
I
—
—
—
Massey
I
• — •
—
—
I
___
Mathews .....
I
Morres, Lodge ....
—
I
—
—
Maude ......
I
—
—
—
2 Maunsells .....
2
—
—
—
May
I
—
—
—
Mayne ......
—
—
I
—
Meade
—
I
—
—
Mervyn, Rochfort ....
I
—
—
—
Mitchell
I
—
—
—
Molineux .....
—
I
—
Montgomery, Geo. ....
Montgomery, Commissioner] .
I
I
i
~
Montgomery, Monaghan .
—
I
—
—
Montgomery, Sir Wm.
I
—
—
—
Moore, Thomas ....
—
I
—
—
Moore, John
I
—
—
—
Moore, Colv. .....
—
—
—
I
Moore, Wm. .....
—
I
—
—
Morres, Haydock ....
—
I
—
—
Mowtray
I
—
—
—
Nedham ......
—
—
—
I
Nesbit
I
—
—
!
Neville ......
I
—
Newenham f .
—
I
—
O'Brien, Sir L
I
O'Brien, Ed
I
O'Callaghan
—
I
—
Ogle
I
—
O'Hara
I
Oliver
I
_
O'Niels, John & St. John
2
—
—
Ormsby ......
I
—
—
Osborne
I
Pakenham
I
—
Palmer f
I
Parnell
I
—
Parsons ......
I
—
Pennefathers, Rd. & Wm.
2
—
Pepper
.
I
—
Pery, Speaker ....
I
—
—
Poole
I
_ _„
Pomroy, A. .....
—
Pomroy, John ....
I
—
—
Ponsonbys, John & Son .
2
—
Prestons, Jos. & John
—
—
2
Price
I
Prittie
I
Qwin ......
—
I
—
Rams, And., Ab. St. .
__
3
—
Rochfort, Robert ....
I
—
Ross, Col
—
—
I
6o
THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
Names
For
Against Doubtful
Absent
Rowley, Clot
Rowley, Her
Ruxton ......
Radcliffe
St. George
I
I
I
I
7
—
Sandford, Hy. ....
Sandford, Robt
Scott, John
Steele, Sir Rd
I
Sentleger
Shiel
Sibthorpe
3 Skeffingtons .....
3-
—
Smyth Ch
j
Smyth, Prendergast ....
Somerville .....
Staples . , . .
Stewart, Annesley ....
Stewart, Wm., L's
Stewart, Robert, H's.
Stewart, James, K's., Capt.
Stratford
Swan
I
I
j
z
Talbot
I
Tighes, Ed. & Robt.
Tighe, Wm. .
2
— : —
1
i
Tisdall ....
j
J
Townsend .....
Trench
Tunadine
Tyrell ....
I
j
— —
—
Vandeleur
Vesey
j
Underwood ....
j
Waller .
j
Walsh ....
j
Ward
I
Westby
.
Westenraw
I
Wilson .
Wood .
j
2 Wynnes ....
2
Yelverston ....
Roche, Major .....
I
Bernard, Francis ....
— —
I
For Government
Against
Doubtful
Absent .
Seats vacant .
Abstract of the above List.
155
95
3i
300
Vacant : —
Kerry — Hassett [Blennerhassett] i
Castlebar — Knox . . . i
Baltinglass — Lill . . i
Newtown { T: Lf Hunte \
{ Sir Wm. E. MorresJ
Westmeath -Belfield . . i
HOUSE OF LORDS.
Consisting of All those Peers who come to Ireland — There
are many of them who seldom or [n]ever attend.
Lord Primate
A Bishoprick for his Friend Dean Cope by Lord Towns-
hend — Lord Harcourt has given to his Grace's Recommenda-
tion Distributor Stamps, Co. Armagh.
Lord Chancellor, Baron Lifford
A Living of £500. to Mr. Bowden his Chaplain — a
Cornetcy to his Son — £1000. a year addition to his Sallary
as Chancellor — An Ensigncy for his Friend Mr. Lyttelton
in the 42nd Regiment by Lord Townshend — During Lord
Townshend's Administration His publick Conduct in the
House of Lords was very exceptionable and often complained
of — In the last Session it was generally adverse to Govern-
ment— at all Times affecting Popularity by a very mark'd
attention to the Lords in Opposition, & the contrary to such
as supported Government — He introduced of new the
Judges Bill, and attempted to force it thro' the House, even
after Lord Harcourt's desire to drop it had been signified
to him — He canvass'd the House, and requested the support
of every Lord of an Address to the King to grant him an
Extra Allowance of ^2000., altho' He had received his
additional Sallary expressly to obviate that Practice — With-
out any Communication with the Castle, the House imagining
that he acted in concert with it, He threw out in the Lords
the Casual Revenue Bill, a Bill which had originated in the
Commons & been returned from England, by which the
Crown loses perhaps not less than .£20,000. a year — He has
in a variety of Instances Opposed in Council, and when He
assisted, his Support has been so lukewarm & ineffectual
62 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
as to bring neither Strength nor Advantage with it to the
Crown. Prior to the Meeting of last Session Lord Harcourt
gave Mr. Hewitt the Reversion of the Examinator of Hearth
Money worth ,£300. a year, and recommended his Lordship's
Son for a Company at the Regulated Price — and since the
last Session His Excellency gave to his Recommendation
the Living of Sentry [Santry] worth ^300. a year, and a
Supernumerary Guager to his Relation.
Craddock, Archbishop of Dublin
Translated from the See of Kilmore to Dublin worth
^5,ooo. and a Company to his Son in Law Mr. Hamilton by
Lord Townshend, and Lord Harcourt has given him a Troop
of Dragoons — a very good Speaker in the House of Lords
when he wanted Preferment — Is seldom choak'd with Grati-
tude to his Friend — Lord Harcourt has given to his Recom-
mendation a Hearth Money Collection.
Archbishop of Cashel
Never attends Parliament.
Archbishop of Tuam
Translated from Elphin by Lord Harcourt — attends con-
stantly.
Duke of Leinster
The late Duke received in his own person a Marquis —
Duke in Ireland — an English Viscount — Master General of
the Ordnance — Lord Justice & Privy Council — Notwithstand-
ing which His Grace with Twelve Members which He
returns to Parliament were constantly in Opposition — The
present Duke does, & seems determined to, walk in the steps
of his Father.
EARLS.
Antrim
Governor of the County — Trustee of the Linen Board —
Privy Counsellor — has not attended Parliament these four
years and asks to be a Marquis — His Son Lord Dunluce
has opposed constantly these two last Sessions.
THE HOUSE OF LORDS 63
Westmeath
Governor of the County of Westmeath — very attach'd to
Lord Harcourt — His Excellency made his Servant One of
the State Messengers £4.0. a year.
Meath
Opposed Lord Townshend's Administration, for which his
Father lost his Pension and was struck out of the Privy Council
— The present Lord has opposed Lord Harcourt because His
Excellency did not appoint him sole Governor of the Coun-
ties of Dublin & Wicklow — His Brother Mr. Brabzon
attach'd to & follows Mr. Ponsonby.
Donegall
Privy Counsellor — Lord Townshend created a Constable
of Carrickfergus to serve his Lordship in Elections — gave his
Friend Mr. Price the Surveyorship of Carrickfergus, and made
his Lordship a Trustee of the Linen Board — Lives chiefly in
England, but in the Face of these Favours conferr'd on him by
Lord Townshend, his Friends constantly Opposed his Lord-
ship, and Mr. Skeffington has done the same, who is returned
by his Lordship, to Lord Harcourt.
Cavan
Colonel of the 55th Regiment — my Lord Harcourt gave
to his Recommendation a Coast Officer's Employment to
James Anderson
Inchiquin
Privy Council & Trustee of the Linen Board — seldom
attends.
Drogheda
Privy Council — Trustee of the Linen Board — a Regiment
of Dragoons — Governor of the County of Meath and the
King's County — Master General of the Ordnance — Major
General on the Staff— Constable of Maryborough, and asks
to be a Marquis — his Lordship has Two Seats in Parlia-
ment — One He sells to Sir William Montgomery, the
64 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
other he gives to Mr. Moore, who asks & receives Favours
separately for himself — He has some connection with three
or four Members, but I do not recollect a single Instance in
which that Connection has biass'd any of them to the
Castle — He also returns two Members for Maryborough both
which he sells, and yet he takes credit with Government for
a Following of four or five Members when in fact he has not
the Command of One.
Granard
Privy Council & Governor of the County of Longford by
Lord Townshend — Lord Harcourt has made his Friend Mr.
Coates Surveyor of Ringsend worth £250. a year — He has four
seats in Parliament, but there is reason to believe that they
are all Sold for the next Parliament
Tyrone
Privy Counsellor — Trustee of the Linen Board, Governor of
the County of Waterford — his Brother Wm. a Living of £600.
a year — a number of Employments in the Revenue, and ask'd
to be a Marquis — Lord Harcourt gave to his Friend the first
Living vacant in his Gift £200. — He has renewed his applica-
tion for a Marquis and ask'd a Bishoprick for his Brother —
His Excellency has given to his Recommendation the Dis-
tributor of Stamps, Waterford — 2 Hearth Money Collections.
Carrick
His Lordship's Father who died lately, was of the Privy
Council and Linen Board, and Lord Townshend obtained for
him a Pension of ;£iooo. a year — a Company for his second
Son, and gave a Living of £200. to his Friend — Since the
Father's death the Captain has resigned his Company — He
has two Seats in Parliament — Lord Harcourt has given to
his Recommendation — a Hearth Money Collection — Distri-
butor of Stamps.
Hillsborough
Privy Council — Trustee of the Linen Board — an Earl—
and Governor of the County of Downe — Lord Townshend
THE HOUSE OF LORDS 65
obtained for his Friend Dr. Dickson the Deanery of Downe
worth ,£1500. a year — made another Friend of his a Commis-
sioner of Excise ;£iooo. and gave a Living of ^300. at his
Lordship's Request to a Friend of Mr. C. Dunbar's— His
Lordship came to Town at the opening of two Sessions and
supported Lord Townshend very ably — He is never without
some object or other ; He has hitherto only ask'd Lord
Harcourt for the Collection of Donaghadee, but he certainly
has some Job in reserve which he will push at the proper
moment by surprise.
Shannon
Pension of ^"3000. for 31 years — Trustee of the Linen
Board — Governor of the County of Corke — Lord Harcourt
made his Friend Mr. Townsend a Commissioner of the
Revenue — Serjeant Dennis, Prime Serjeant worth ,£1200. —
Mr. Lysaght a Patentee Employment of £200. — Mr. Moore
Surveyor of Courtmacsherry £i$o. — Obtain'd for his Lord-
ship the office of Muster Master General worth ;£i8oo. a year
— He returns ! Members, and there are more that act
steadily with him — Lord Harcourt has also given to his
Recommendation — Pension of £600. for Mr. D. Jephson — a
Hearth Money Collection — 2 Boatmen.
Lanesborough
Formerly a Commissioner of the Revenue and was turned
out of it and the Council by Lord Townshend — He has
been restored to the Council by Lord Harcourt and a Pension
of £1200. obtain'd for him in lieu of his Seat at the Revenue
Board— He is a Trustee of the Linen Board and Governor of
the County of Cavan — His Lordship has two Boroughs, but I
am afraid they are both disposed of for the next Parliament
— He is an amiable unfortunate man — strongly attached to
Lord Harcourt. His Excellency has given to his Recommen-
dation the Distributor of Stamps for Cavan, I Guager — I
Tidewaiter — 2 Hearth Money Collectors, i Walking Officer.
1 Number not stated in MS.
66 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
Clanbrassill
Privy Counsellor — Trustee of the Linen Board — Chief
Remembrancer £3000. a year for Life — made his Friend
Surveyor of Dundalk £150. — He brings in Mr. Waller &
Mr. Shiel — The one was a Commissioner of the Revenue,
and has now a Pension in lieu of it of £600. — The other
King's Council & Commissioner of Appeals £300. — He has
complain'd very loudly against and quarrell'd with Lord
Harcourt because his Excellency would not allow him to
name to the Collection of Dundalk, and to the office of
Distributor of Stamps for the County of Lowth, both which
had been engaged before he applied — He has declared his
Intention to return two new Members for Dundalk, and that
the condition of their Election is to be never to accept of
anything from, that they may be at liberty always to Oppose
Government.
Belvidere
The Father of the present Earl lately Dead — He was of
the Privy Council, of the Linen Board, and held the office of
Muster Master General — His Lordship has four Seats in
Parliament — He is Governor of the County of Meath, and a
Trustee of the Linen Board — He has ask'd to be a Commis-
sioner of the Revenue — left very embarrass'd in his Circum-
stances, & from his Distress must consequently be dependent
on the Crown, likely to quarrel with his Brother Robert, a
respectable amiable man — Lord Harcourt has at his earnest
Request appointed Mr. Handcock one of his Aid de Camps,
and given to his Recommendation the Distributor of Stamps
for the County of Westmeath.
Wandesford
Wanted to be of the Privy Council, and out of Humour
with Lord Townshend because he refused to recommend it —
He has since Opposed.
Lowth
Turned out of the Privy Council by Lord Townshend —
wanted to be Constable of Birmingham Tower and upon
THE HOUSE OF LORDS 67
refusal went into strong Opposition, in which he has continued
ever since.
Mornington
Wanted a Living for his Tutor and Opposed Lord Towns-
hend because he did not give it — Lord Harcourt has gratified
him, and He supported last Session — He has a Borough, for
which He returns Mr. T. Fortescue & General Pomroy. His
Excellency gave to his first Servant the Inner Porter Stamp
Office £40.
Moira
A Trustee of the Linen Board, has no Influence in Par-
liament.
Arran
He is of the Privy Council — His Father who died lately
was of the Privy Council — a Trustee of the Linen Board and
Governor of the Counties of Wexford & Mayo — He got a
Deanery and a Living of £500. for his Friend Dean Brocas,
and his Brother Richard was made a Commissioner of the
Revenue, and afterwards went into Opposition for which he
was turned out by Lord Townshend — They have opposed
Lord Harcourt but with moderation — much connected with
Lord Annaly, and as that Sett of Goresare now disposed to
good Humour with the Castle, 'tis probable this will, & that
they will all Support next Session.
Courtown
Wants Preferment in the Church for his Brother — seldom
attends — has no Earthly Influence in Parliament — and inde-
cently enough, thro' some Connections he has in England,
got himself named of the Council here without making any
Application to Lord Harcourt.
Melt own
Privy Counsellor by Lord Townshend — Lord Harcourt
made him Governor of the County of Wicklow on the Death
of Lord Meath — He wants a Living of ,£200. for a Mr.
Roberts — a constant Attender.
F2
68 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
Farnham
Privy Counsellor — Trustee of the Linen Board — Viscount
& Earl — Leave to Sell his Place of Birmingham Tower for
which he got £7000. — One Brother a Bishop worth near
.£3000., another holds the Place of Prothonotory to the
Common Pleas worth ;£iooo. — both Brothers in violent
Opposition, and I believe the noble Lord himself has never
taken his Seat.
Charlemont
Governor of the County of Armagh — has a Borough —
has been always in Opposition both to Lord Townshend &
Lord Harcourt, and always will to Government — In private
Life amiable & respectable — In Publick violent, petulant, &
waspish.
Bective
His Lordship and his Friends have hitherto Opposed,
but as he is now asking Favours of the Crown, it is imagined
that he means in the next Session to Support.
Howth
Privy Council and recommended by Lord Townshend for
a Pension of .£500., but not obtain'd, a constant Attender.
Bellamont
A Trustee of the Linen Board. He supported very
steadily during the last Session and was of considerable
Service to the Crown in giving notice of & counteracting
the Hostile Schemes of the Chancellor — His primary object
is Rank in the Army — his next a Commissioner of the
Revenue or any other considerable Employment. Lord
Harcourt has obtain'd for him a Seat in the Council.
Kingston
Rank of Earl obtain'd for him by Lord Townshend —
Privy Council for his Brother Henry, and a Living of £200.
to his Recommendation — Governor of the County of Sligo
— He became latterly indisposed to Lord Townshend be-
cause his Lordship would not carry into effect the King's
Letter naming his Friend Colonel Fitzgerald of the Council.
THE HOUSE OF LORDS 69
Roden
Privy Council — Trustee of the Linen Board — Auditor
General for Life worth ;£i2OO. — Searcher of Galway £700. —
Lord Townshend obtain'd for him the Rank of Earl, and on
his giving up the Tenure for Life, to be held during pleasure,
joined his Son's name in his Patent of Auditor General — a
constant attender and a tolerable Speaker — He affects to
be out of Humour with Lord Harcourt, altho' he offer'd
him an Ensigncy, because he did not give a Cornetcy to his
Son, and takes upon himself some share of Lord Clan-
brassill's quarrel and Resentment, However, by that Master
Piece of Lord Townshend's in changing the Tenure of his
Employment, & having but a small Fortune, he is totally in
the Power of the Castle.
Ely
Earl — Privy Council — several Places in the Revenue —
Living of ^"200. to Mr.Homan — Mr. Tottenham Commissioner
of the Customs ^1000. — Mr. Loftus a Commissioner of Ac-
counts £500. — The Monroes .£300. — Mr. McLean Secretary
to the Board of Accounts .£300. — Mr. Hellen Council to the
Excise £1000.— -a Cornetcy for Mr. Loftus — Mr. Tottenham
Collector of Drogheda £400. — an Ensigncy for Miss Monroe's
Brother. All these Favors obtain'd thro' Lord Townshend.
He has Seven Seats in Parliament, and has been very
faithfull & constant in his Support ever since he made his
Bargain with Lord Townshend — To Lord Harcourt he is
under very particular Obligations — His Excellency has given
to his Recommendation Three Tide Waiters — Surveyor
Wexford £6$. — Coast Surveyor £35. — Supervisor of Hearth
Money £6$. — Coast Officer £35. — Distributor of Stamps,
Wexford £50.
Altamont
A Baron in 1761 — Governor of the County of Mayo —
obtain'd the Rank of Viscount & Earl thro' Lord Townshend,
also a Cornetcy for his Grandson — his Third Son, the Collector
of Foxford, made a Surveyor General, & his fourth Son
Collector in his Room — For his Son the Colonel Lord
70 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
Harcourt has obtained the office of Constable of Carrickfergus
with a Sallary of £i per day.
Ross
A Baronet in 1763, and Governor of the County of
Donegal — obtain'd the rank of Viscount & Earl thro' Lord
Townshend.
VISCOUNTS.
Mountgarret
Seldom attends — when he did, voted against Government.
Valentia
Seldom attends — when he did was with Government.
Strangford
A Pension for his Daughters — of ^250. — an Ensigncy for
his Son by Lord Townshend, and Leave for him & Dr.
Bernard to exchange their Preferments in the Church, by
which means they put a large Sum of Money in their Pockets,
and defrauded those to whom they had let their Tythes
during Incumbency — He wants a Bishoprick for himself and
a Company for his Son — Lord Harcourt gave him a Lieu-
tenancy.
Ranelagh
A constant attender, for Government.
Molesworth
A Pension for his Sisters — connected by Marriage with
Mr. Ponsonby's Family.
Boyne
Powerscourt
Wanted to be an Earl — hitherto in constant Opposition.
Mountmorris
In violent Opposition — related to Mr. Ponsonby.
Mountcashel
Nephew to Mr. Ponsonby.
THE HOUSE OF LORDS ft
Glerawley
Connected with Lord Tyrone.
Clanwilliam
A Peerage in 1766 — made his Brother in Law Bourke
first a Dean — then a Bishop in Lord Townshend's Admini-
stration— when He attends, he Supports — very giddy.
Crosbie
Privy Council — Trustee of the Linen Board — obtain'd
Viscount's Rank thro' Lord Townshend — a Deanery for his
Brother — his Cousin Mr. Coppinger Rank of Serjeant at
Law, and several small Favours in the Revenue — a constant
attender — has a very considerable Interest in Kerry — He
now wants the Rank of Earl, & that his Relation Lieutenant
Colonel Crosbie be either put on full pay or have a io/ a day
Government — Lord Harcourt has given to his Recommenda-
tion— 2 Coast Officers — a Hearth Money Collection, and
Distributor of Stamps, Co. Kerry.
BISHOPS.
Meath
Brother to Lord Farnham — seldom attends — when he
does, against.
Kildare
Attends & constantly with Government.
Corke
Was Chaplain to Lord Townshend, attends constantly —
Lord Harcourt made his Nephew Distributor of Stamps for
Corke.
Waterford
Attends constantly.
Clogher
Lord Townshend at his Request offer'd him the Arch-
bishoprick of Dublin, but upon a previous assurance that he
72 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
would not accept it — for some years he has had very bad
Health & attended seldom.
Limerick
Translated by Lord Townshend from Elphin — Brother
in Law to Mr. Clements — attends constantly in expectation
of a better See.
Kilmore
First Chaplain to Lord Harcourt.
Elphin
Translated by Lord Harcourt from Ossory — This See
worth £4000.
Killala
Very old — never attends.
Raphoe
Supports when he attends.
Clonfert
Formerly Dean Cope — Brother in Law to Sir Archibald
Acheson, and the particular Favorite & Friend of the
Primate — Recommended by Lord Townshend upon his
Grace's Request.
Ferns
Obtain'd by Lord Townshend — Son to Commissioner
Bourke & Brother in Law to Lord Clanwilliam — a Sensible
man and attends constantly — The Borough of Old Leighlin
belongs to this Borough [sic\.
Ossory
Translated from Dromore to this See by Lord Harcourt —
The Borough of St. Kenice or Irish Town belongs to this See.
Downe
Never attends — wishes very much for Emancipation — sup-
posed in his present See to be under some very unusual Em-
barrassment before or since Lord Hertford's Administration.
THE HOUSE OF LORDS 73
Dromore
The late Dean Hawkins, made by Lord Harcourt at the
Request of Lord North.
Derry
Translated by Lord Townshend from Cloyne, and gave
an Ensign cy to his Friend Lawless — Lord Harcourt obtained
a Captain Lieutenancy for another Friend Mr. Allen — and
gave his Agent Mr. Swan the Employment of Port Surveyor
of Derry worth .£400.
Cloyne
Made by Lord Townshend — a constant Attender & a
good Speaker — His Excellency has given him for his
Services last Session an Expectation of the See of Cashell.
Killaloe
Made by Lord Townshend upon giving up his Prebend
of Westminster to Dr. Young, his Lordship's Chaplain.
BARONS.
Kingsale
A Pension by Lord Townshend of ^400, and an Ensigncy
to his Eldest Son — Lord Harcourt has given an Ensigncy to
another Son.
Blayney
A Regiment — Major General on the Staff — Governor of
the County of Monaghan — by Lord Townshend a Trustee of
the Linen Board — an Ensigncy and a Quarter Master's Com-
mission for his Friends.
Southwell
Constable of Limerick — Trustee of the Linen Board —
Governor of the County of Limerick, and Leave for his Son
to purchase a Troop of Dragoons — His present objects are to
be of the Privy Council, and to obtain a Pension of £200 for
his two Aunts.
74 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
Desart
wants a Pension for his Sister Mrs. Herbert — connected
with Lord Tyrone.
Knapton
Opposed Lord Townshend, and generally against during
the last Session — He has ask'd a Hearth Money Collection.
Longford
A Captain in the Navy — constantly in Opposition to Lord
Townshend — a tolerable Speaker & a very respectable
good humour'd man — He and his Brother supported steadily
during the last Session — Lord Harcourt gave to his Recom-
mendation Distributor of Stamps for Longford.
Lisle
A Peer in 1758 — Follows Lord Shannon, wants an
Ensigncy for his Nephew.
Mountflorence
Has two Seats which he Sells — always Supported —
wants a Barrack.
Baltinglass
A Peer in 1763 — a Trustee of the Linen Board — allowed
his Son to purchase a Company from a Cornetcy — wants to
be an Earl, and Preferment in the Church for his Son —
always Opposed Lord Townshend — He did not attend last
Session — His Son voted against constantly in the Commons.
Erne
Appointed Storekeeper of the Ordnance which He re-
signed last Winter — Lord Townshend gave it to him and
obtained the Peerage for his Father — His Brother is in
Parliament & opposed — his Lordship supported — Lord
Harcourt has made him a Trustee of the Linen Board.
Annaly
Chief Justice of the King's Bench and a Peer in 1766 —
His Brother Examinator of the Customs — made his Friend
THE HOUSE OF LORDS 75
a Judge— Barrackmaster of £200 to Mr. Wilson — Deanery
for Dr. French, and several Livings to his Friends, with an
additional Sallary of £500 to his office as Chief Justice —
During last Session he did not indiscriminately Oppose, but
could by no means be consider'd as a Friend upon any
occasion — his Brother did not attend one day — His Lord-
ship now seems very repentent, and possibly observing no
great Cordiality between His Excellency & the Chancellor,
he means to make his advantage of the moment in case the
Seals should become vacant by Death or removal of the
Chancellor — Lord Harcourt has given to his Recommenda-
tion [ends].
Eyre
made a Peer by Lord Townshend in 1768 — Supports
Irnham
made a Peer in 1768 at the Request of the Duke of
Grafton — Opposes.
Dartry
made a Peer in 1770 by Lord T. — Supports.
Bangor
made a Peer in 1770 by Lord T. — Supports. Lord
Harcourt has allowed him to name to him a Tidewaiter.
Clermont
Postmaster General — Privy Council and Trustee of the
Linen Board — a Peer in 1768 by Lord Townshend and
several Favors in the Revenue — He resides almost con-
stantly in England — He now wants the Rank of Earl. Lord
Harcourt gave him the Distributor of Stamps for Monaghan.
Dawson
Trustee of the Linen Board — made a Peer in 1770 by
Lord Townshend — has a Borough and two Sons in Parlia-
ment— Lord Harcourt gave him the Distributor of Stamps
Queen's County.
STATE OF THE IRISH HOUSE OF LORDS.
Names
For
Against
Doubtful
Absent
Lord Primate
I
_
_
_
Lord Chancellor
I
Archbishop Dublin
I
—
—
—
Archbishop Cashell .
I
Archbishop Tuam
I
—
Duke of Leinster
—
I
—
—
Earls
Antrim ....
_
_ .
I
Westmeath
I
__
Meath ....
I
Donegal ....
—
—
—
I
Cavan ....
I
—
—
Inchiquin ....
I
—
—
Drogheda ....
I
—
—
Granard ....
I
—
—
Tyrone ....
I
—
—
—
Carrick ....
I
—
—
—
Hillsborough
—
—
—
I
Shannon ....
I
—
Lanesborough
I
—
—
—
Clanbrassill
j
Belvidere ....
I
Wandesford
I
Mornington
I
_
—
Moira ....
—
—
I
—
Arran ....
—
—
I
—
Courtown ....
I
,
Miltown ....
I
—
Farnham ....
—
—
—
I
Charlemont
—
I
—
—
Bective ....
—
I
Bellamont ....
—
—
Kingston ....
—
—
_ .
Roden ....
—
—
—
Ely
—
—
—
Altamont ....
—
—
—
Ross .....
Viscounts
Mountgarret
Valentia .
—
' |
—
I
I
Netterville
I
Strangford
I
—
—
—
Ranelagh .
Fitzwilliam
I
—
r
I
Molesworth
. —
—
—
I
STATE OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS 77
Names
For
Against
Doubtful
Absent
Boyne
i
_
Powerscourt
—
I
—
Mountmorres
I
Mount Cashel .
—
I
Glerawley ....
i
—
—
Clanwilliam
i
—
—
Clare ....
—
—
—
I
Crosbie ....
i
—
—
—
Bishops
Meath
I
Kildare
Corke
—
Waterford
—
Clogher
—
—
Limerick
—
—
Kilmore
Elphin
—
Killala
—
—
I
Raphoe
—
—
—
Clonfert
—
—
Ferns
Ossory
—
—
—
Downe
—
I
Dromore
—
—
Derry
—
—
Cloyne
—
Killaloe
—
—
—
Barons
Kinsale
__
Blayney
—
—
—
Southwell .
—
—
Desart
—
Knapton .
Longford .
z
~
—
Lisle
—
—
—
Mountflorence .
—
Baltinglass
__
—
I
—
Annaly
—
—
—
Erne
—
—
Eyre.
—
—
—
Irnham
—
I
Clermont .
—
—
—
I
Dartrey
i
—
—
Dawson
i
i
—
—
Bangor
I
—
—
For Government
Against
Doubtful .
Absent
58
9
5
Total
86
NOTE ON THE SALARIES ATTACHED TO CERTAIN
REVENUE OFFICES.
From Commons' Journals, xvi. 62 sqq. & xvii. 92.
CUSTOMS.
Seven Commissioners ..... ,£1,000 each
The Examinator ...... 400
Surveyors General .... 300
Collectors-
Collector, Dublin Port .... 200
Cork 150
Belfast 120
Waterford .... 90
Small ports . . . . 50
Surveyors ....... 60-50
Landwaiters, generally ..... 4°~35
Coast Officers „ . 35
Tidewaiters „ .30
Supernumerary Tidewaiters, generally . . 20
Boatmen ....... 20
Coxswain ....... 23
EXCISE.
Five Chief Commissioners .... ^,'1,000 each
Four Surveyors General . . . 500 „
These offices were extinguished when the Boards of Customs and
Excise, divided under Lord Townshend, were reunited in one Revenue
Board under Lord Harcourt.
Collectors in large districts . . . . £IOQ
Collectors in small districts . . . . 50
Gaugers . 4°
Supernumerary Gaugers .... 30
STAMP DUTIES.
Thirty County Distributors were allowed 6 per cent, on the
stamps sold, and none to receive less than ^50 per annum.
APPENDIX
SYMPATHY with the American colonies was daily gaining strength
among the Irish Protestants, and Lord Harcourt considered that it
would be advisable to make no delay in challenging the sentiments of
Parliament as to the revolt. As we have seen in the Introduction to
this volume, it was a critical question : it involved the approval of the
policy of the Crown, a matter to which the British Ministers attached
much weight, and the temper in which the Commons would receive the
King's request that they would assent to the withdrawal of 4,000 troops
from the number of those appointed to remain in the kingdom. In
order to bring this question to a speedy issue, Harcourt in his address
at the opening of the Session on October 10, 1775, referred to 'the
rebellion existing in a part of the King's American Dominions,' and
said that His Majesty relied on the zeal and loyalty of his Irish
subjects. The address in reply declared that the Commons viewed
the rebellion with abhorrence and indignation. An amendment
expressing a desire for conciliation was negatived by 90 to 49, and
another being moved for the omission of the words expressing anger
at the revolt, the House decided by 90 to 50 to retain them, and the
address was carried.1 Harcourt was delighted with this success, and
the next day wrote the following letter to Lord North : —
Lord Harcourt to Lord North?
Oct. n, 1775.
You must not be surprised to be troubled with this letter by
a Messenger when it is to inform you that last night at 1 1 o'clock
the House of Commons agreed to a Resolution, on a division of
something more than two to one, declaring their allegiance to His
Majesty and abhorrence of the American Rebellion. Nor must
you be surprised that the declaration itself brings you the first
account of my having engaged in this serious matter. But the
truth is, that the Determination upon it was only lately had. I
saw the moment approaching when this unpleasant question
would have been pressed upon me by the Opposition to the
King's Government in this country, who were daily gaining
strength upon this ground, with such advantage that I should
1 Commons' Journals > xvii. 10-12. ~ S. P. Ireland, 444, f. 235.
8o THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
have had great difficulties in resisting it. Therefore it became
absolutely necessary for me, and for the honor as well as the
support of the King's Government, that I should take a decisive
part. It became necessary, as well in point of humanity as
expediency, that we should declare to the lower order of the
People through their representatives in Parliament the just
sense that was entertained of this unnatural rebellion, for I am
confident, and of nothing more, that Silence would not only
have been criminal in me, but would have involved in it con-
sequences the most distressing, if not fatal to the peace of this
Government, and must have added a fresh weight of distress to
your Lordship's Administration in England, that great as the
object was, I would not hesitate upon it. The Presbyterians in
the North, who in their hearts are Americans, were gaining
strength every day, and letters wrote by designing men whom
I could name from your side of the water, have been repeatedly
pressed of late to engage Ireland to take an adverse part in the
contest, attaching these foolish people by their pride, and telling
them the Ballance of the cause and the decision of the quarrel
was on their side of St George's Channel. I have, therefore, for
the last few days been incessantly employed, and in order to give
it effect, I have been obliged to conduct myself with all possible
secrecy, not daring to trust too much to certain interested Per-
sons whom it is not necessary for me at this time to name to
your Lordship.
The debate was conducted with great vehemence on the part
of Opposition, which was composed of Mr. Ponsonby and the
Duke of Leinster's followers and a few county members. Our
majority consisted of the most respectable people, and the debate
mostly if not entirely conducted and upheld by Sir John Blaquiere
and Mr Scott,1 whose zeal and abilities are so well known to
your Lordship that I shall not add another word.
What I have done I trust may be agreeable to His Majesty,
and I should hope of no small service to your Lordship's
Administration. For my own part I shall confess to you that I
feel such a glow of mind upon this occasion and the victory
which has been obtained, that I have in my life never felt
moments so happy as they have been since this question was
determined. Our numbers were 99 2 to 49 : in the House of Lords
31 to 5. For particulars I refer your Lordship to the Minutes.
The next day Blaquiere also wrote to North : —
Sir John Blaquiere to Lord North*
Oct. 12, 1775.
. . . The boast and false confidence of Lord Chatham in
your House, with ablate alliance of Lord Cambden's in this
1 Solicitor General, appointed 1774.
2 Incorrect: see above from the Common <=? Journals.
3 S. P. Ireland, 444, f. 237.
APPENDIX 81
country, added to the natural fanaticism of the Northern Pro-
vince, and the necessity of listing in the South many who are not
Presbyterians, with other circumstances of material considera-
tion, and which were, I believe, repeated to you yesterday by
my Lord Harcourt, made it absolutely necessary for His
Excellency to call forth an explicit and timely declaration from
the Irish Parliament on the subject of America.
Harcourt and Blaquiere had good reason for satisfaction ; the
address proved the signal success of their efforts to secure such a
majority in Parliament as would enable them to gain its support for
the Crown even on the most critical occasions. The decision of
Parliament declared the triumph of the system of direct control by
the Crown, which had been established in place of government by
undertakers. Ireland, in spite of the sentiments of a large number
of its people, of by far the larger number of its Protestant in-
habitants, was committed to an approval of the war by the votes
of those who were by a fiction denominated the representatives of
the nation.
The question of the withdrawal of the troops was laid before the
Commons on November 23, when Blaquiere brought a message to the
House which was read by the Speaker, It announced that the King
desired to withdraw 4,000 men from the troops appointed to remain
in the kingdom ; that the expense of such part of the army as should
be spared would not be charged on the Irish establishment, and
that the King offered to replace such force by an equal number of
foreign Protestant soldiers, the charge of them to be defrayed without
any expense to Ireland. On the 25th the message was considered
in a committee of the whole House, after the names of the members
had been called over in accordance with a previous order The
debate, which lasted until midnight, was warm, specially on the offer of
foreign troops, and the Opposition did not forget to taunt the Govern-
ment with the fact that the stipulated number of 12,000 men had
already been infringed upon. The speakers on the Opposition side were,
Harcourt reported to North, Ponsonby, Fitzgibbon, Sir E. Newenham,
Gardiner, Ogle, Sir James Cotter, Yelverton (very violent), Chapman,
Conolly and Hussey Burgh ; and for the Government, Hellen, Sir J.
Blaquiere, Carleton, W. Flood, Jephson, Langrishe, Barry Barry,
Mason, Trench, Prime Serjeant Dennis, Foster, the Solicitor-General
[John Scott], Serjeant Coppinger, and Sir J. Blaquiere a second time
in answer to Hussey Burgh, who finally closed the debate.1 The
Government majority for sparing the 4,000 men was 121 against 76,
1 Harcourt to North, Nov. 26, 1775.
82 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
but on the 2yth the committee decided against accepting the offer
of foreign troops by 106 to 68. The next day upon the report, the
House agreed with the opinion of the committee on both resolutions
after a division of 103 to 58.1
The meaning of these divisions is, that Blaquiere had found
before the 2yth that the offer of foreign troops was extremely dis-
tasteful to the Irish Parliament, and rather than press it, Harcourt
and he agreed that they would act somewhat in the same way as
they had done in the case of the Absentee Tax, and that the
Government should 'take a neutral part in the debate.' They
rightly judged that the withdrawal of the troops was the more im-
portant question, and they determined to make the best of their
success in that matter in their letters to England. Blaquiere, in his
short letter to North on the night of the 27th, wrote as if all had gone
most satisfactorily, and wished him 'joy of the event.' Upon the
report the next day, ' when both subjects were debated,' Blaquiere
and Harcourt being convinced that if a proposal were made by
Government for the introduction of the foreign soldiers, the whole
scheme, the withdrawal of the troops as well as the offered replace-
ment of them, would be wrecked, the Government, as Harcourt
wrote on the 3oth, ' acting under the direction of the sense of the
House of Commons, boldly and avowedly took its part in giving
4,000 of our troops and refusing to have them replaced.' 2 The
royal offer to keep 4,000 foreign soldiers in Ireland without expense
to that country involved a constitutional question as to the right of
the Crown to pledge the public money of Great Britain. It was
raised in the British House of Commons on February 17, 1776, by
Thomas Townshend, afterwards Lord Sydney, who declared that
Harcourt had been guilty of a breach of the privileges of that House,
but after a warm debate his motion for a committee was negatived
by 224 to io6.3
The King was extremely annoyed by the refusal of his offer, and
unreasonably, as it appears, attributed his disappointment to bad
management on the part of Harcourt and Blaquiere.4 The decision
1 Blaquiere to North, 'from the House,' Nov. 27; Harcourt to North,
Nov. 30, 1775, Commons' Journals, xvii. 205—9. Misled apparently by the
highly concise account of these proceedings given by Plowden (Historical Review,
i. 433), Lecky has for once given a wrong impression of them (History, iv. 438),
the division on the report was not a defeat for the Irish Government, though it
was for the King.
2 Letters of Blaquiere and Harcourt, cited above.
3 Parliamentary History, xviii. 1129.
4 Correspondence of George II I. with Lord North, i. 300-301.
APPENDIX 83
of the Irish House of Commons was wise. No one could foresee
that the King's offer would be criticised hostilely in England, and
had it been accepted by the Irish it would, but for that, doubtless
have been repeated, and a dangerous precedent would have been
created. George would, of course, have preferred to have his
battles fought by British and Irish troops rather than by Germans.
Besides, if Ireland had been willing to receive the soldiers hired
from the German princes, the English Ministers would have had an
additional defence against their Whig opponents, who made the
employment of these troops a ground of attack on the Government.
But the Irish Parliament did not choose to have the defence of their
country committed to foreigners, nor to see them encamped on Irish
soil. The spirit exhibited by the Commons on this question showed
that patriotic sentiment was not wholly extinguished by the seduc-
tions of the Castle.
Successful as for a time a system of government by corruption
may prove to be, it has a fatal defect in that, unless rewards are
continually increased, it is impossible to reckon on the continuance
of a purchased majority. This was specially true of the influence
exercised by Harcourt and Blaquiere over the Irish Parliament.
Their position was different from that of the undertakers, for the
corruption of the undertakers' days was, as the writer in Baratariana
remarks, ' domestic ' ; the ruling oligarchs and their followers under-
stood one another, and the undertakers would thwart the wishes
of the Crown when in any serious matter they ran counter to the
' Irish interest,' while under the new system administered by Harcourt
and Blaquiere, the favours received from the Crown were given to
secure the support of Parliament to a policy which, taken as a whole,
was alien, if not adverse, to Irish aspirations.
The sentiment which underlay the decision of the Commons was
apparent in the concluding words of the address ; they trusted that
the people of Ireland might so exert themselves as to make the aid
which the King offered unnecessary. This pointed to a renewal of
the attempt to obtain a Bill for a national militia, which had
hitherto been thwarted by the Privy Council. Harcourt was in
favour of it, and heads of a Bill were transmitted to England, but were
not returned. Another attempt was made to secure the independence
of the judges, and that suffered a like fate. The refusal to accept
the foreign troops was, indeed, a sign that the national spirit was
gaining an influence over the Government phalanx; some were
impatient of the control to which they had submitted themselves,
while others were merely anxious to obtain larger terms by a show of
independence. An opportunity for opposition was afforded by the
G 3
84 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
British Privy Council, which returned two money Bills with altera-
tions. They were promptly rejected, though new Bills to the same
purpose were brought in and passed.1
It is not likely that this recrudescence of national sentiment,
feigned though in some cases it certainly was, would first be
revealed to so watchful a Minister as Blaquiere, who mixed freely in
Irish society, by the debates on the Lord-Lieutenant's message. By
the beginning of November he considered that fresh favours must
be conferred on members of the House of Commons if the business
of the session was to be carried through satisfactorily. Ten were,
he thought, * wavering in their faith,' and he had promptly taken the
best and usual means of confirming them in it. The result of the
impending general election was a more important matter. Expec-
tations raised by Townshend, and not yet fulfilled, must no longer
be disappointed ; past services must be rewarded, and faithful
supporters must be induced by fresh pensions to incur the expense
of purchasing seats in the new Parliament. Money must be found
by some means, and the King and the British Ministers must be
convinced that the matter was urgent, and must state clearly how far
they would go. Accordingly on November 2 Blaquiere wrote as
follows : —
Sir John Blaquiere to Mr. Robinson, Secretary to the Treasury?
November 2, 1775.
Since my return hither my Lord-Lieutenant's attention, as
far as other measures would allow, has been particularly directed
to the consideration of the coming dissolution and its more
important consequence, the re-election of a new Parliament, to
which if the greatest care and attention be not had, we may
peradventure lose thereby thirty or forty of our best Friends, as
I very particularly stated both to yourself and Lord North
when I was in London. The means to remedy the evil are
but few, and after the conversations we have had upon this
score, in which there appeared almost an impossibility of
affording us any assistance from England, I shall suppose but
one : you must by pension or place sink a sum of not less than
about ^9,000 per annum, exclusive of the provision that may
be found requisite for rewarding and indemnifying those who
are immediately connected by office with His Excellency's
administration or attending on his person. The former is a
1 Plowden, Historical Review, i. 434 ; Commons' Journals, xvii. 220,
250-251, 295.
2 S.P. Ireland, 444, f. 252.
APPENDIX 85
matter of necessity, the latter of justice, both equally claiming
the attention of the Crown.
There are not less than thirty or forty members that, if not
assisted, certainly cannot secure their re-election. Many of
these gentlemen hold small employments or pensions from two
to three, some under ^200 a year. Their seats in the new
Parliament cannot be purchased at less than 2,000 guineas to
^"2,500. Their past services certainly entitle them to the
possession of what they now hold ; and an addition by pension
or Sallary of from ^£200 to ^250, or more, as circumstances may
require, must surely be considered as scarcely an adequate
compensation for the advance and loss of so large a sum as
2,000 guineas. There are besides several gentlemen who,
holding not a shilling under the Crown, have assisted and are
now engaged to support the measures of Government upon
expectation given them of a suitable provision at the end of
this session, and for which the Faith of Government was
pledged during my Lord Townshend's Administration, many of
whom he recommended for specific stations or pensions, as
your Lists will inform you ; and among the number of gentlemen
to be added to those 1 include the Earl of Belvidere, who
returns four members, and the Earl of Bellamont, whose
services have been marked, zealous, and effectual. To furnish
you with a list of names at the present moment could give you
neither satisfaction nor information. Let it suffice that for the
carrying on the publick Business in the next Parliament, together
with having a prospect of perfecting our Business in this, a
charge not less than I have stated is indispensable. In truth
the transactions of this session are so much involved in the
consideration of having a respectable body of Friends in the new
Parliament that it is impossible to separate them. I have been
already obliged with my Lord- Lieu tenant's leave to promise
small additional Sallaries or pensions to Messrs. Blakeney,
Fitzgerald, Tighe, Sandford, Pennefather, O'Brien, Coghlan,
Malone, Cane, and Featherstone, gentlemen most of whom we
had reason to think were wavering in their Faith, and who
would probably have gone against us or staid away this session.
There are others many in the same way ; but that we may not
hold out unauthorised expectations which may involve many of
our best friends as well as ourselves in inextricable difficulties,
I am, by Lord Harcourt's desire, to request that you will take
the earliest convenient moment to state this matter to my Lord
North, that we may know and be fully warranted in our engage-
ments.
This letter was laid before the King, to whom indeed his
Ministers referred all matters at this time ; for though his kingdoms
were nominally ruled by responsible Ministers, they were during
North's Administration practically under his personal rule. He saw
86 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
the letter along with another from Blaquiere referring to the offer of
the foreign troops ; both displeased him, and on November 26 he
wrote to North complaining that Blaquiere's letters were ' drawn up
in a strange and loose manner,' that they were vague, and that ' he
must specify very exactly on paper the whole of his demands before
any encouragement can be given.' ] Robinson accordingly wrote to
Blaquiere for precise information as to the money that he would
want for the Irish members. Blaquiere sent the following reply : —
Sir John Blaquiere to Mr. Robinson. Private and Confidential?
Dec. 15, 1775-
In order to save you any unnecessary trouble upon the
subject of the arrangements necessary to make at this critical
time in Ireland, I beg the favour of you to consider this Letter
as a continuation of mine of the 26. of November to which I
refer.
The particulars you desire shall be stated in a manner as
minute and critical as the nature of the thing will admit, in
order to which I shall place them under three separate heads,
tho' the services done to the King's Government in my Lord
Townshend's time, those which have been rendered in the two
last sessions, and the expectation of securing to the Crown a
respectable Majority in the new Parliament are so closely inter-
woven that it is scarce possible to consider them asunder. . . .
Of these remaining unprovided for are the following Persons
who have every one of them earned by additional service and zeal
in support of Government a better claim to His Majesty's good-
ness. My Lord Townshend stated their merits, which it would
be needless for me to repeat, and recommend them for the
following annual provision by way of pension or otherwise ;
and these I shall consider under my first Head —
^500 The Earl of Howth
300 Mr. Robert Fitzgerald
200 Col. Sandford
200 Mr. Robert Tighe
200 Col. Smith for his sisters ;£ioo each, and although
this gentleman's services cannot be stated with
parliamentary ones, he comes necessarily included
in Lord Townshend's arrangements, by whom he
was recommended, and my Lord Harcourt has
directed me to call to my Lord North's mind the
services of his family, his own in Portugal, and to
state the particular zeal and alacrity He has shown
on many occasions where he has been employed in
this country at my Lord Harcourt's particular desire.
1 Correspondence of George 111. with Lord North , i. 300.
* S. P. Ireland, 444, f. 292.
APPENDIX 87
Under the Second head I shall include Persons for services
already performed in Parliament either by themselves or their
Friends, and for which Stipulations have been made or expecta-
tions held out of annual provision to the following amount
£200 Capt. Bristow — this is a gentleman for whom my Lord
Conyngham stipulated so long as three years ago
when He first joined Government with his Parlia-
mentary Interest, that he should at the first conve-
nient opportunity have —
150 Mr. Edge worth at the desire of the Earl of Kingston
has long had expectation given him of ^150.
700 The Earl of Bellamont's zeal for H.M.'s Government,
& the very able & effectual support which He
has given in the House of Lords these two last
sessions, & the peculiar merit he had of joining
the Government at a moment when his services
were most critically wanted induces my Lord Har-
court to recommend him to H.M. for ^£700.
200 Mr. Malone. The honor & effect which the King's
Government derives from the disinterested support
& great abilities of this gentleman will, it is
thought, make it unnecessary to say a word but
that he wants for his nephew ^£200.
800 Mr. Serjt. Hamilton quitted the Opposition at a
critical moment upon the promise of being recom-
mended to the Bench when a proper opportunity
offered. The conduct of Judge Robinson affords
that opportunity.1 My Lord Harcourt wishes never-
theless that Mr. Robinson's former conduct should
be considered. He is besides old & infirm. His
Excellency means to recommend him for the usual
Judge's pension of ^"800.
200 My Lord Westmeath's brother has already a small
Pension ; my Lord Harcourt means to recommend
an additional £200.
150 Col. Luttrell's friend whom my Lord North recom-
mended is as yet unprovided for, no sinecure
employment having fallen in.
150 Ld. Chief Justice Patterson, one of the honestest &
ablest servants the King has & who has been
serviceable to my Lord Harcourt's administration,
desires a pension for his near relation. H. E. means
to recommend.
^2,550
Under the 3rd & last Head are to be reckoned Persons
for services already performed blended with their engaging to
return themselves Members in the next Parliament.
See p. 47, note.
88 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
;£6oo Mr. Warden Flood, of whom I believe you have heard
enough said : for particulars & in order to avoid
writing volumes let me refer you to Mr. Lees.
400 Counsellor Carleton, of whom I suppose it also un-
necessary to say a word.
300 Mr. Westenrau, member for Monaghan.
250 Sir Wm. Montgomery, in order to give him the agency
of the half-pay, a measure exceedingly desirable for
the care & advantage of half-pay officers, as well
as in consideration of his repurchasing himself into
Parliament ; the pension to be given to Mr. Bulkley,
the present agent.
300 Mr. O'Brien,1 brother to Sir Lucius, both he & Sir
Lucius in Parliament.
400 Mr. Coghlan,1 a faithful friend, is to repurchase.
300 Col. Cane 1 comes in again for Tallagh, & at some
expense, a constant attender & an honourable
Friend.
200 Mr. Cavendish is to repurchase. His Collection of
Dundalk is worth only ^150; somehow or other
must be added.
300 Mr. Tunnadine purchases for the third time ; has no
office yet, a constant attender.
650 It was thought my Lord Belvidere must have had a
seat at the Revenue Board. He will be a powerful
Man & a warm Friend at the next, as he has been
in this Parliament; but its hoped as his brothers
have asked for provisions, he may be passed by &
they will be satisfied with ,£650.
300 Mr. Waller,2 one of the dismissd Commissioners, to
repurchase.
200 Mr. Fetherstone,2 one of the dismissd Surveyors
General, to repurchase.
200 Mr. Maurice Fitzgerald,2 the same.
200 Mr. Nisbet repurchases upon an addition to his Father's
pension, which is ^300, of £200.
500 Mr. Hutchinson, the eldest son of the Provost. The
Father certainly brings him, with another friend into
Parlt, for whom he purchases.
250 Mr. Blakeney has a pension of ^300. He is offered
for his Seat ^2600; there are two Brothers in
Parlt, an addition of —
300 Mr. Pennefather has had the same offer. He & his
Father are in Parlt. They have no office.
1 For O'Brien, Coghlan and Cane see p. 85 : they now appear as confirmed
in their Faith.
- In Townshend's excise board the five chief commissioners received £1,000
a year each, the four surveyors general £500. When the revenue boards were
reunited the commissioners of excise received pensions of ^600, the surveyors
general of ^300. — Commons' Journals, xvi. 80, 344-45.
APPENDIX 89
400 Col. Ross, a warm & devoted friend, brings himself
& assists Government in bringing in another.
200 Mr. Cuffe to be re-elected for the County of Mayo, an
additional Sallary. He is of the Barrack Board.
200 Lord Carrick, a warm supporter, has one now, & will
have two Members in the next Parlt, asks for a
pension for an old gentleman of 76.
150 Mr. Caulfield, member for Tulsk, additional to a small
office he has of —
200 Mr. Swan, a claim upon Govt. for a constant ex-
ertion in the House of Commons of some of the
most painful & perilous service that can be per-
formed.
200 Mr. Mowtray, a very good friend, a pension for his
Brjother].
,°°°
ist Head . ^"1,4.00
2nd Head . . 2,550
3rd Head . . 7,000
10,950
Add Lord Annaly . 300
This, my dear Sir, is a considerable sum, but compared to
former charges it is trifling, & compared with the present
emergencies of things, the Service rendered & the importance
of the Novel but necessary idea of securing to the King's
Government a proper Majority in the new Parliament. It will
under the several considerations bear the strictest Scrutiny,
insomuch that I will take upon me to say, & I do it by my
Lord Harcourt's special commands, that if Three Hundred
Pounds are struck off, the Government will be very considerably
prejudiced. There is to be added to these, several little objects
of Charity, specially Officers' Widows, which have been recom-
mended to my Lord Harcourt, & which together may amount
to perhaps between two & ^300, which I suppose it can be
scarce necessary to specify.
These things done you will have most unquestionably in the
new Parliament a most respectable Majority. To say presently
what will be the numerical account of your Strength, it depends
upon so many contingencies, that I believe it next to impossible,
but upon a presumption that all things may go according to
moral probability, you have a right to expect the number will
then stand, taking your present attach'd & steady friends, &
all those who will be brought in by their assistance, & the
various influences which Government can in every possibility
exert, in which I include the assistance which the expected
moves & creations in the Peerage will procure; They will,
90 THE IRISH PARLIAMENT, 1775
taken together, give you a predominant power in the proportion
of 138 to 91. And here allow me to observe that 138 plumping
Votes of unequivocal men is in my opinion as great a power as
Government can now command in this Parliament.
P.S. — My Lord has just sent me word that, whilst I was in
England, He had given Lord Annaly an expectation of a
Pension of ^300 a year for his Brother, which He did not
recollect before, & must now be added to the general sum.
The anticipated creations in the peerage, it will be observed,
were not made in order to overcome a majority in the House of
Lords, but to secure a majority in the Commons by gratifying certain
powerful persons or faithful supporters. There is, therefore, no real
analogy between them and the creation of the twelve peers in Queen
Anne's reign.1 Following Plowden, Lecky says that besides twelve
promotions in the peerage, eighteen Irish peers were * created in a
single day.' This number, however, can only be made up by
including the creation, in April 1776, of William Henry Lyttelton,
later Baron Lyttelton in the British peerage, and then member for
Bewdley, as Baron Westcote in the peerage of Ireland. But this
creation had nothing in common with the rest. The other seventeen
whose elevation was announced on July 2 of that year were Sir
Thomas Maude, created Baron de Montalt ; Sir George Macartney,
B. Macartney ; Sir Archibald Acheson, B. Gosford ; Ralph Howard,
B. Clonmore ; Sir Richard Philips, B. Milford ; Sir Thomas Wynn,
B. Newborough ; Sir Charles Bingham, B. Lucan ; Sir Alexander
Macdonald, who had no connection with Ireland, B. Macdonald ;
Sir William Mayne, B. Newhaven ; James Agar, B. Clifden ; William
Edwardes, B. Kensington ; Robert Ongley, B. Ongley ; Vice- Admiral
Molyneux Shouldham, B. Shouldham; John Bourke, B. Naas;
Sentleger Sentleger, or St. Leger, B. Doneraile ; Clotworthy Upton,
B. Templetown ; and Hugh Massey, B. Massey. This wholesale
creation stands in strong contrast to the instruction with reference to
the peerage given to Harcourt on taking office which is recorded in
the Introduction. Members of the House of Commons were not
promoted to the peerage until arrangements had been made that
their seats should be filled by supporters of Government.
Blaquiere's letter suggests many comments, but it must suffice
here to refer the reader to the provision already made for Hely
Hutchinson, which is noticed in the Introduction ; to observe how
much better it was to be the brother of an Irish peer, than the
1 Plowden (Historical Review, i. 443) and Lecky (History, iv. 441), are some-
what misleading, though Lecky's remark is verbally correct.
APPENDIX 91
widow of an officer, one of those { little objects,' for whom, taken in
a lump, scarce so much was to be asked of H.M.'s goodness as
Annaly got for his brother Henry Gore, and to admire the pious
care which these lords and gentlemen showed in seeking to provide
for their relations and friends out of the public money. They were
imitated, or surpassed, by an English earl, whose name we have met
with more than once. The proof of his care for an old servant con-
cerns Ireland, and is too pleasing an incident to be omitted. The
Earl of Rochford, descended from one of the Dutch friends of
William III., who sometime enjoyed an Irish pension of ,£2,000,
resigned the Secretaryship of State in November 1775, an(* received
a pension of ,£2,500, afterwards increased to ,£3,320. He had
landed property worth ^2,000 a year, which he bequeathed to his
mistress. At the date of his resignation his butler had become
too old for further work, and on the xoth he wrote to Harcourt
asking him ' for a little sinecure place of about £"50 or £"60 a year
for an old servant that has lived with me these thirty years. I have
now no way of providing for him but by keeping him myself, which
will be a great charge to me.' His anxiety led him to write again
the next day, and this time to Blaquiere, to urge his request. * It is
for our old friend Strasburgh, my butler, who has poured you out
many a glass of good Burgundy, and who will be a burden to me if
I am not relieved from it.' So poor old Strasburgh was to be a
burden on Ireland.
The first octennial Parliament was prorogued on April 4, 1776,
and was dissolved later. Harcourt resigned office in November of
that year, and did not meet the new Parliament, which assembled in
1776 only for the election of a speaker, and did not meet again
till October 1777.
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